Reflection

How many times do we look back on a project and wonder, "What could I have done differently?", or "How did I get here?", or "What went wrong?" One of the best ways to reflect on the past and how to change for the better is to use a journaling system. It doesn't have to be a fancy notebook or a perfectly penned calligraphy note. It can be done on the notes on your phone, pictures you’ve taken on your phone, a notebook you have lying around when you have an idea, the ideas can go on and on. But the most important part of journaling is to make sure you place all these ideas, thoughts, and images in a central location that you can easily look back on. That could mean you upload it to a blog, a website, or a drive that you can access anywhere electronically. Or you can print them all out and organize them in a folder or binder that goes everywhere with you. It’s important to do what works for you. If you haven’t ever journaled before, but like the idea, the first step is to schedule a time where you gather information from the past that you can find or remember. Set aside some time each day or week, but make it consistent. Soon, you will see it has become a habit to write things down daily, or when they happen. There is no wrong or right way to do it. Each person will journal in a way that is easy for them and relates to how they do things. You can get ideas from others, but don’t put pressure on yourself to make it have to be done that specific way. Learning this skill and applying it to your life and career will only make you more successful at what you do.

~Elisa~