Reflection
Unless you’re a teenager, you probably don’t spend all that much time studying yourself in the mirror. It seems like there are better uses of your time, such as talking to people or making things or just, you know, working. It’s not always particularly pleasant to look closely in the mirror. It’s easy to find things you don’t like. And it feels odd to stand around trying to identify and admire your best features.
Are you ready for your close-up?
The same thing is true in the metaphorical mirror. It’s more comfortable to look outward and not examine ourselves so closely. It feels arrogant to acknowledge our strengths and unpleasant to admit our shortcomings. It seems more productive and engaged to focus instead on others. And, of course, there is value in that. Listening to friends and customers is important.
But reflect we must. Reflection leads to self-awareness, which is about understanding what we want and what we’re good at and how we impact others. If you want to make progress toward your goals or even know what your goals are, if you want to do something meaningful in the world that leverages your strengths, if you want healthy relationships with effective communication, you’d best be ready for your close-up.
Serenity now!
A small period of uninterrupted time in which you simply self-reflect can be a powerful thing. You don’t have to sit cross-legged, and you don't have to call it meditation. Walk the dog, fold the laundry, wash the dishes, take a bath – by yourself, in relative silence, with an open mind. When I first began meditating regularly, I felt a bit silly, like George’s dad shouting “Serenity now!” in the famous Seinfeld episode. But 5 years of daily practice later, I see the tangible benefits of creating the space and quiet to reflect.
Zen and the Art of Pretty Much Everything
Zen practitioners use the term ‘beginner’s mind’ to refer to an attitude of openness, eagerness and lack of pre-conceptions. They believe that only in this state of mind can we see ourselves and our future vision clearly. Julia Cameron, acclaimed author of The Artists’ Way, says that a daily reflection practice is one of the hallmarks of successful creatives, because it’s essential to de-clutter the brain before trying to create something new.
The beginning of a new year always seems a fitting time to reflect. This year, I encourage you to spend some time looking in the “mirror.” Here are a few thought-starters. Enjoy!
• Why do you do what you do? What do you love about it? What do you bring to it that no one else does?
• What do you want to offer to the world? What’s your purpose? What’s your passion? What lights you up and makes you feel alive?
• What does your company stand for? What values do you embody? What are your unique characteristics and personality?
• What do you offer that’s different from what’s out there? What are you really good at? What are your credentials? Why do customers choose you over others?