Think of something that has gone really badly for you recently. Apply the formula above to
it. Let your mind wander, as Zoe van Zwanenberg suggests, gently looking for connections,
parallels, and associations. Include this in a learning log for a period of time.
Making reflection normal
For many people, it is a crisis in their lives that forces them to take
stock, often through such things as divorce, redundancy, ill health,
or the death of a loved one.
There are less traumatic ways of doing it!
When do you stop and reflect? Look back over your last week. How many minutes have you
spent reflecting on things that have happened to you or the way you have learned something?
Use the chart below to help you.
Topic Minutes spent When
Most people find it helpful to set aside a regular time every day—
it need only be a few minutes. The beginning of the day is a good
time. Some favor lunchtime reflection, especially if you can get out
of your working environment. And, for many people who travel for
long distances to work, the journey home can be useful. The act of
reflection normally calms you down, which is a good thing in itself
before you return home—unless, that is, you are reflecting on really
stressful issues!
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