Chapter 1: The Power of Reflection

Many of us overlook the practice of intentional reflection. A notable example is Queen Elizabeth II, who engaged in this habit for an impressive sixty-four years, following the tradition set by her father and grandfather. Remarkably, she shared her insights with the public every Christmas. Even in 1969, when her reflections were not broadcast, they were published in written form, marking a consistent dedication to introspection.

As we consider her legacy, we should ask ourselves: When was the last time you took a moment to reflect? When did you last review recent events to understand what went well and what didn't? Have you ever thought about documenting your reflections to gain clarity through journaling?

For many, the value of reflection, especially as the year draws to a close, is often overshadowed by the rush to make New Year's resolutions. People tend to focus on goals related to fitness, nutrition, and other ambitions. However, what is the point of setting resolutions if you aren’t building on what you’ve learned from the past?

It’s undoubtedly more beneficial to first reflect. Cherish your achievements, joyful moments, and those instances when everything seemed perfect. Embrace the lessons from failures, disappointments, and the inevitable changes life brings.

Intentional reflection provides us with insight into our history.

However, be cautious about how you recall events. Biases such as hindsight bias, outcome bias, and recency bias can distort our view of the past. To navigate this, consider keeping a journal, diary, or even a collection of photos that can help you uncover the true essence of your experiences. Genuine reflection, free from these biases, is crucial for understanding the past accurately.

In light of Queen Elizabeth's passing, I encourage you to take the time to write down your reflections on the previous year. Review your journal entries and extract valuable lessons, both from successes and failures, to inform your future decisions.

Although this may not seem like a significant weekly choice, it indeed is.

Effective reflection requires a top-down approach, while building something new necessitates a bottom-up strategy. To reflect meaningfully, maintaining a daily journal or diary is essential. Whether you're noting daily happenings or contemplating future goals, it all begins with one decision.

If you haven’t started this practice yet, why not begin today?

One Weekly Decision

This reflection was shared in a newsletter on September 19th. If you'd like to receive similar insights directly to your inbox to enhance your life, one decision at a time, please subscribe here.

Section 1.1: Engaging with Introspection

Reflection is not just a passive process; it requires active engagement.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Journaling

Maintaining a journal can serve as a powerful tool for personal growth.

Chapter 2: Insights from Reflection

The first video titled "Do we reflect or shift first?" delves into the significance of reflection before making changes in our lives, emphasizing the need for introspection to guide our decisions.

The second video, "Reflection Over x=2," explores how reflection can lead to deeper insights and understanding of our experiences.