PROFESSOR of Management and Strategy at the Kellogg School of Management, Harry Kraemer, Jr., explains the 3Cs of self-reflection in Your Values-Based Legacy. He says we self-reflect to examine our pasts for clues about our future journeys. We are influenced by our connection, our community, and our choices. “When enhanced by self-reflection, these three Cs enable us to gain clarity about what we’re currently doing, what we’d like to do, and how all the aspects of our lives come together with a sense of purpose.”
There is no right or wrong way to engage in self-reflection. The key is to find time when you can be silent and contemplate what matters most. In these quiet moments, I look back on the day and ask myself:
- What did I say I was going to do today, and what did I actually do? If what I did was different than what I planned, what were the reasons?
- What went well, and what did not?
- How did I treat people?
- Am I proud of the way I lived this day?
- If I had the day to live over again, what would I do differently?
- What did I learn today that will have an impact on howI live the next day, the next week, and going forward?
Why do this?
- Only by being self-reflective can I truly know myself.
- If I don’t know myself, I cannot lead myself.
- If I can’t lead myself, I cannot lead other people.
These statements always point me deeper into self-reflection to clarify my values and priorities.
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