It does not matter which leadership "advice" book you read. Everyone mentions the role of reflection. Invariably as I teach my graduate students who are working professionals, I find that most balk at the suggestion of finding time for reflection in their daily schedule.
All of us are busy. We all understand that. Over the years, I have had students mention every conceivable reason why they have little or no time for reflection. I look deeply into my own life and find the same thing. There were months and years in which I had little time for reflection. When I would eventually find time to reflect, I found that it did make a difference.
Now that I have been teaching about leadership for numerous years, I am more aware (of course) of the importance of reflection and make time for it.
I don't do daily reflection, but I try to make reflection a part of my life. Finding even 10-15 minutes alone (even 5) during the day can help. At work, sometimes close the door (or if there is no door), take a walk during lunch and sit on a park bench or walk along.
Drop the iPhone or Android phone for a few minutes. There are few people more devoted to e-mail than I, but I avoid taking out my iPad, Blackberry or other tools in social settings. I don't text. I send e-mails instead. It achieves the same thing but does not signal the person and does not require a separate word structure. Instead of looking at your mobile device during breaks, close your eyes and reflect. Reflect on your life, your goals, your progress. Good luck.
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