Introducing It:
When people are considered to be famous, they are known by a large number of individuals for having done something that either no one else has done, or few others have done. The range of what people have done to become famous goes from the ordinary (some reality TV shows) to the extraordinary (being the first to ever walk on the moon).
In a world of more than 7.5 billion individuals, a little more than a half a million of them can claim to have achieved these four small yet attractive letters, FAME. Regardless of whether or not we think those with fame have earned it or not, the thing that is undeniable, is that they have done something worth talking about.
Fame is also typically synonymous with success, though erroneously. While we may have many different beliefs about
Because we all like success, it is fair to say that we all would like to be more successful than we currently are. It’s innate in us. Now, while many of us may not know how to become more successful than we currently are, Social Modeling Theory gives us some clues as to how we can do or achieve anything that’s already been done. If we know at least one person who has already done it, it must, after all, be possible for more than just one person.
Numerous studies have been done on some of the most famous and successful people in the world to discover what the common characteristics among them might be. Knowing the common characteristics allows us to access the most effective methods that lead to that same level of success or even higher.
Some of the common characteristics of successful people include and are not limited to, regular reading, regular mentoring, and regular reflection.
The rest of this article is an introduction to that last common characteristic-the practice of reflection, looking at it from a cognitive and behavioral lens.
Reflection:
Reflection, as a regular process, has a number of benefits we are to be aware of, particularly in the fast-paced, jam-packed, and sometimes chaotic lives we have. Reflection gives us space to pause. It gives us room to think and take stock. Used with intention and focus, regular reflection can help us access our own power to raise our awareness, and take action to adjust our states or ways of being and relating with the world.
From a cognitive and behavioral lens, reflection entails the reviewing of one’s day, or specific activity, event, or situation, with the goal to learn from it and use that learning opportunity for growth.
Not only do most people not practice this simple technique, it is also a proven technique in several evidence-based psychosocial interventions.
Indication:
The Three-Prompt Reflection Technique can be used under any circumstance, including for professional or personal growth, for new habit formation and shaping, and as part of one’s daily mental and spiritual practice. It can also be used as an adjunctive aid to help prevent and/or decrease phenomenon like stress, symptoms of depression, anxiety, burnout, poor social skills, to name a few.
Steps:
Questions to ask at the end of the day, preferably before turning down for bed.
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What went well today?
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What failed to go as well as expected?
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What am I doing differently and better next time?
Recommendations:
Viewing this as a mere chore is unlikely to be as effective as viewing it as a serious and dedicated practice. In the latter case, growth is inevitable, easier to measure, and we start to understand why this exercise has been one of the few common characteristics shared by most successful individuals.
Now that we have an overview of what the three-Prompt Reflection Practice is, what it is used for and how to use it, let us stay tuned for an article on how to introduce such a simple yet powerful practice to the patients and clients we serve.
Until soon, and with love,
Karen and Mardoche