It's easy to get lost in these pictures, thinking about how their subjects have changed over time, but we should also do that with ourselves.
As executive coach Jennifer Porter explained in Harvard Business Review, at its simplest, reflection is about careful thought, but the kind of reflection that is really valuable is more nuanced than that and requires conscious consideration and analysis of our beliefs and actions if we want to learn anything.
"Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning," Porter wrote. "This meaning becomes learning, which can then inform future mindsets and actions."
Research by Giada Di Stefano, Francesca Gino, Gary Pisano, and Bradley Staats in call centers demonstrated that employees who spent 15 minutes at the end of the day reflecting about the lessons they had learned performed 23% better after just 10 days than those who did not.
A study in the UK found a similar result when those who were prompted to use their commute to think about and plan for their day were happier, more productive, and less burned out than people who didn't.
#7 Keanu Reeves And Carrie Anne Moss Celebrating The Release Of "The Matrix", 1999
#8 A Young Dolly Parton With Her Husband Carl Dean, Married Since 1966.
If you want to become more reflective, Porter suggested a few tips:
Identify some important questions. They can be something along the lines of, 'What are you avoiding?' 'How are you helping your colleagues achieve their goals?' 'How are you not helping or even hindering their progress?' 'How might you be contributing to your least enjoyable relationship at work?' 'How could you have been more effective in a recent meeting?' But don't hurry to answer them. These things take time.
Select a reflection process that matches your preferences. Many people reflect through writing in a journal. But if that sounds terrible, consider talking with a colleague or a friend. As long as you're reflecting and not just chatting about the last concert you've been to, your approach is up to you.
#10 Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, C. Thomas Howell, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, Rob Lowe And Matt Dillon, 'The Outsiders' - 1983
#11 Sophia Loren Giving Younger Sister, Maria Villani Scicolone A Kiss, 1955
Schedule your reflection time and then commit to keeping it. If you find yourself trying to skip it or avoid it, reflect on that!
Start small. If an hour of reflection seems like too much, try 10 minutes. Teresa Amabile and her colleagues found that the most significant driver of positive emotions and motivation at work was making progress on the tasks at hand. Set yourself up to make progress, even if it feels small.
#14 Carrie Fisher And A 13 Year Old Warwick Davis Behind The Scenes Of Return Of The Jedi In 1983
#16 Ben Affleck And Matt Damon Calling Their Moms After Winning The Oscar For Good Will Hunting, 1997
#17 Marilyn Monroe On A New York City Subway, At Grand Central Station In 1955
Do it. Go back to your list of questions and explore them. Be still. Think. Consider multiple perspectives. Look at the opposite of what you initially believe. Brainstorm. You don't have to like or agree with all of your thoughts — just think and examine your thinking.
Ask for help. A lack of desire, time, experience, or skill can get in the way of reflection. Consider working with a colleague, therapist, or coach to help you make the time, listen carefully, be a thought partner, and hold yourself accountable.
#20 Meryl Streep During Her Cheerleader Days At Bernards High School, Bernardsville, Nj, 1966
