Independent thinking requires perspective, and gaining perspective demands intentional thought, introspection, and careful consideration. Wise decisions and genuine understanding rarely come from hurried actions or rushed thoughts. Instead, they emerge from the deliberate practice of reflection.
Thinking about something is different from doing something. Quiet introspection differs from engaging in active dialogue. Considering various courses of action differs from choosing and committing to one. Yet, thoughtful reflection is essential for making sound decisions, selecting the right actions, and maximizing our interactions with others. If we aspire to become impactful leaders, reflection must become part of our daily routine.
Many people share with me their struggles with reflection. Being still in a constantly moving world can feel unnatural. Silence amidst endless noise may seem abnormal. Being alone when people constantly seek our attention might appear self-indulgent. Reflection can sometimes even lead us to uncomfortable truths or thoughts we’d prefer not to face.
But reflection is neither collapsing from exhaustion nor distracting ourselves with entertainment. True reflection is an intentional, disciplined practice, one that can be learned through persistence. Like developing any new skill, we must start, persist despite discomfort, and eventually embed reflection into our routine.
Personally, I’ve learned the value of setting aside dedicated time each day for reflection—early mornings, before the day’s demands begin. You might find another moment that suits you best, whether at day’s end, during a quiet walk, a run, or your coffee break. The key is deliberately reserving about thirty minutes each day specifically for reflection.
Once you’ve set the time, intentionally choose the focus of your reflection. Perhaps it’s an ongoing challenge, a complicated relationship, or your dissatisfaction with how you’re spending your days. You might reflect on recent feedback, a compelling new idea, or review and plan your actions intentionally. The purpose is clear: dedicate your reflective practice to substantial issues and impactful matters. Don’t waste this valuable time on trivialities.
We often believe decisions should be made swiftly, associating speed with effectiveness. And indeed, timely decisions matter. Yet rushed judgments frequently lead to mistakes, overlooking consequences or alternatives we would have seen upon reflection. When faced with significant decisions, I resist immediate pressure and commit first to reflection.
Collaboration remains essential. Gathering diverse perspectives and insights from others enriches our decision-making process. However, reflection afterward is equally crucial. It helps us genuinely evaluate all we’ve heard, clearly understand our true thoughts, recognize unanswered questions, and confirm we aren’t unfairly influenced or dismissive due to personal biases.
Reflection is an active discipline, not passive daydreaming. Through reflection, we see clearly, choose wisely, and act deliberately. Leaders learn to reflect to maximize their impact and realize their full potential.
Carly Fiorina
Carly Fiorina has spent decades building diverse, high-performance teams and advising Fortune 500 executives on strategy, culture, and communications. Today, as the Founder and Chairman of Carly Fiorina Enterprises, she counsels companies to create an equitable workplace culture, build high-performance teams, foster female leaders, enable diversity and inclusion, and teach the fundamentals of leadership. An author, she also offers keynote speaking, consulting, and leadership development.
For more information, visit www.carlyfiorina.com.
