How do we know if we are moving toward goals that are true representations of who we are and what matters to us? We need to pause and reflect. Reflection is an essential practice for you to grow and continue to develop in the various aspects of your life. This practice involves considering a specific area of your life, who you are, and the goals you have been working towards.

This is a crucial first step requires an intentional set aside time to consider and to evaluate the various aspects of your life; your behaviors, your thoughts, your attitude, your motivations and desires. It’s a time to honestly examine where you are in these specific areas of growth and to identify the areas that you still would like to refine and to grow. Once you identify what it is that is meaningful to you, and what you would like to pursue, it is much more natural and motivating to move toward the goals you set for yourself.

Reflection is absolutely necessary to take greater leaps toward your potential. It’s healthy to examine where you are, and to consider where you want to go, and who you want to become. It’s important to not get stuck on where you may currently be. Stay motivated by keeping your eyes set on where you would like to be and what you want to accomplish; dig those heals in and get more motivated to put in the personal work toward your potential and goals. It is the journey toward your goals that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Now, wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to stop, consider, and realize that your life is, in fact, a reflection of what you set out to accomplish and who you have desired to become? This is totally possible, but be sure not to skip the essential first step: to pause and reflect.

Life Application: Take time to pause and reflect. This could take a series of 20-30 minute increments, or one longer set aside time. Create a list of all the important aspects of your life. For example: family life, faith, career, academics, and academics. Each aspect should have two sections. First, list and/or journal where you feel you are in those ares. Second, list and/or journal, where you would like to be. What follows will touched upon in future posts regarding goal-setting, so tune in!