Developing Positive Self-Reflection Practice

When things are going well in our lives, it feels easy and effortless to focus on the positives. On the other hand, when we are faced with challenges or difficulties, negative feelings can dominate, making it harder to notice progress and remember how far we have come.

The same is true for the individuals we support: sometimes, they may need help to reflect on their successes and celebrate progress, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. To that end, developing a robust, reflective practice that focuses on the positives can be incredibly beneficial – not just for those we support, but for us, too.

Benefits of self-reflection

Reflection – thinking back on experiences, considering what went well and how this might affect future actions and emotions – can be transformative, especially when the focus is on the positives.

Self-reflection helps to shape our self-concept, the image we have of ourselves. This is a central part of our identity and plays an influential role in dictating our mood, judgement, and behaviour. Self-concept is not fixed, so if we view ourselves positively, and can identify and describe our successes, we are more likely to develop beliefs about ourselves that are positive.

The individuals we support often face challenges in their day-to-day lives, and by consciously reflecting on their experiences, they can increase their level of self-awareness – a key component of emotional intelligence. This, in turn, allows them to better understand their emotions and their behaviour.

Supporting individuals to reflect on the positives

As professionals, we play a vital role in influencing individuals’ self-concept, so it is important that we consider ways to support them on their journey of self-reflection. By providing different outlets and ideas for reflecting on the positives, we can help them to evaluate their strengths and use this information to build their self-esteem, increase their self-confidence and develop a positive mindset.