The power of looking back

This is a quote from a research study by Harvard Business School, that shows that the employees who spent a few moments each day on reflection performed 23% better. To reflect on your work situation is easier said than done. But as with all new habits, starting small is always a good approach.

According to the study mentioned, you don’t need that much time to see results, just 15 minutes a day are enough. How you do it is not that important, just make sure you document your thoughts in some way. The first step is to find some breathing space in your everyday life at work and make time for reflection. We’ve written down a few things that work for us, but don’t let that limit your creativity! 

Change location

Leave your phone, computer and only bring some paper and pen to another room. Don’t let anyone interfere with your important task, if you are sitting where people can see you, we encourage you to put on a busy and concentrated face.

Time

Most of us are slaves under our own calendars and making an appointment with yourself is a great way to make it a priority.

Use &frankly

Pick one of our questions that triggers self-reflection and schedule them weekly, preferably with a few different questions each day. Which questions to ask yourself is of less importance, time will show what triggers your thoughts the most. To help you on your way, here are some first ideas:

• What have I learned today?
• What could I have done differently in the previous meeting to have been more effective?
• Is there anything I avoid doing? Why? What’s holding me back?
• What do I need to change to be able to move forward?
• What mistakes have I made, and how can I help others avoid them?
• What did I do last time I created a “wow effect” at work?
• What do I need to focus for personal development? What’s stopping me? Now, there are no more excuses
• Just do it! As with all new things, practice makes perfect. According to people who know stuff, it takes 66 days to establish a new habit. So keep at it! Don't work harder - work smarter.