1 Set a regular time and space for reflection

One of the challenges of reflection is finding the time and space to do it. Reflection requires attention, focus, and openness, which are often scarce in our busy and stressful lives. Therefore, it is important to set a regular time and space for reflection, and treat it as a priority. You can choose a time and space that suits your preferences and schedule, such as early in the morning, before going to bed, during a walk, or in a quiet room. The key is to make it a habit and a ritual, and to avoid distractions and interruptions.

3 Apply the reflection cycle

The reflection cycle is a framework that guides you through the stages of reflection, with one of the most popular versions being the Gibbs reflective cycle. This cycle consists of six steps, beginning with describing the situation or event, including the facts, context, and participants. Then, you should reflect on your emotions, thoughts, reactions, and expectations during and after the situation or event. The third step is to evaluate the outcome and impact of the situation or event for yourself and others. Following this, you can analyze the causes and consequences of the situation or event in relation to your existing knowledge. After drawing conclusions from your analysis, you should plan your actions for the future based on these conclusions. This will help you learn from your experience and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

4 Review and revise your reflection

Reflection is not a one-time activity, but a continuous and iterative process. Therefore, it is important to review and revise your reflection, and monitor your progress and results. You can do this by revisiting your previous reflections and comparing them with your current ones, evaluating your actions and outcomes, seeking feedback from others, and updating your goals and plans. Consider how you have changed or improved, the patterns or trends that you notice, the new challenges or opportunities that you face, the effectiveness of your actions, the benefits and costs of your actions, the unexpected or unintended consequences, how others perceive your actions and outcomes, your goals and values, strengths and areas of improvement suggested by others, new or revised goals and plans, how you will measure progress and success, as well as the resources and support that you need.