Reflection

In partnership with

As we kick off Christmas (and Hanukkah) week, the world tends to slow down. Our lives become a bit less busy, which offers a great opportunity to reflect.

Pausing to reflect can prove difficult. It can seem like a waste of time. Why reflect when there is more that we could be doing?

Reflecting can seem like it gets in the way of progress, but it is not simply a chance to relax. Reflecting provides an opportunity to redirect our attention and refocus ourselves. By reflecting, we acknowledge our past (both the good and the bad), so we create the best future possible for ourselves.

In running and in life, pausing to reflect can help us understand what went right, what went wrong and how we can improve in the future.

Here are 3 ways to reflect this week.

1. What are my energy batteries? What are my energy vacuums?: By reflecting on what fills and drains our energy, we better understand where to focus our time and attention. By allocating more of ourselves to energy batteries and avoiding energy vacuums, we become more enthusiastic versions of ourselves. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. An energy vacuum to us could be an energy battery to others.

2. How did I change?: Did we achieve a new personal best? Did we start a new workout routine? Did our mindset shift on a non-running aspect of life? Taking stock of however we changed can build our confidence by reminding us of our progress. It can also keep us humble. What we do and how we think today is not what we will always be doing and believing. If we have not changed, alarm bells should start ringing. Without change, we cannot grow.

3. What scares me?: Fear likely got in the way of something we had thought of doing this year, but decided against. Instead of wallowing in our fear, by identifying it and understanding that it scares us, we get a great opportunity to face our demons. By doing scary things that are worthwhile, we grow and separate ourselves from others who choose not to do scary things.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy the holiday week!