The Power of Reflection: Why Looking Back is Key to Moving Forward
Life often feels like a race to the next milestone—another property completed, another goal ticked off, another achievement to celebrate. But how often do we pause to reflect on how far we’ve come? In a world obsessed with forward momentum, the power of looking back is often overlooked. Reflection isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a critical tool for growth and progress.
I learned this lesson firsthand during a particularly challenging year when I felt like I was spinning my wheels and achieving very little. What changed my perspective was a simple exercise that transformed my frustration into gratitude and clarity.
A Year in Pictures: My Turning Point
Early on in my journey, I was working with a coach who asked me to review my year. I remember telling him how frustrated I was—I felt like I hadn’t achieved much, and the goals I’d set for myself seemed miles away. Sensing my frustration, he gave me an unexpected assignment: “Go back through your photos from this year and pick out the ones that represent it.”
At first, I wasn’t sure what the point was. But as I scrolled through my camera roll, something remarkable happened. Each photo brought back a memory—moments of fun, family holidays, milestones in my property journey, and even the little victories I’d completely forgotten about. By the time I finished, I realised I’d been so focused on what I hadn’t achieved that I’d overlooked how much I had. That exercise completely transformed my outlook.
Since then, I make it a habit to look back at my photos regularly. They remind me of how far I’ve come and encourage me to record more of what I do. After all, the years aren’t just about goals and achievements—they’re the chapters of the story of my life.
The Parable of the Farmer’s Seeds
To illustrate the importance of reflection, let me share a parable.
A farmer planted seeds in a large field. Throughout the year, he worked tirelessly—ploughing, watering, and weeding. But as the months went by, he grew frustrated. Despite all his hard work, he didn’t see immediate results, and he started to wonder if his efforts were worth it.
One day, a friend visited the farmer and suggested they take a walk around the field. As they strolled, the farmer began to notice small green shoots breaking through the soil. He hadn’t realised how much progress had been made because he’d been so focused on what wasn’t growing yet.
The friend smiled and said, “Progress is happening all around you. You just need to take a step back to see it.”
The farmer’s story is a powerful reminder that when we’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to miss the growth that’s unfolding. Reflection allows us to step back, see the bigger picture, and recognise the progress we’ve made.
Why Reflection Matters
Reflection isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a strategic tool for growth. Here’s why it’s so powerful:
- It Highlights Progress: When you’re constantly chasing the next goal, it’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve come. Reflection helps you appreciate your journey and builds confidence for the road ahead.
- It Identifies Patterns: Looking back allows you to spot trends—what’s working, what’s not, and where you’ve been most successful.
- It Provides Clarity: Taking time to review the past gives you a clearer perspective on your priorities and helps you realign your goals.
As James Clear says in Atomic Habits:
“Reflection and review is the process that allows you to become aware of your mistakes and successes.” – james clear
How to Make Reflection a Habit
If reflection isn’t something you naturally do, here are some simple ways to incorporate it into your routine:
- Schedule Time for Reflection
Set aside time weekly, monthly, or annually to reflect. It doesn’t have to be lengthy—even 15 minutes can make a difference. I do this every week. - Use Visual Prompts
Like I did with my photos, use visuals to jog your memory. Photos, journal entries, or even old emails can remind you of the moments and milestones you’ve experienced. - Ask Powerful Questions
Reflection is more effective when you ask yourself meaningful questions. For example:- What were my biggest wins this year?
- What challenges did I overcome?
- What am I most proud of?
- Celebrate Your Wins
Don’t just acknowledge your progress—celebrate it. Whether it’s a small victory or a major milestone, taking time to honour your achievements will keep you motivated.
Moving Forward with Reflection
Looking back isn’t about living in the past—it’s about using the past to inform your future. Every success, every setback, every lesson learned contributes to who you are today. And when you reflect on your journey, you’ll find that even the hardest moments have shaped your path in meaningful ways.
As we approach the end of another year, I encourage you to take some time to reflect. Go through your photos, revisit your goals, and ask yourself: What have I learned? How have I grown? And what story am I writing for myself in the year to come?
If you’d like help structuring your reflections or setting new goals, join my community for tips, insights, and resources to support your journey. Together, we’ll make the next chapter of your story even more powerful.
Kelly Lemon
