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Action + Reflection = Career Growth
How to Unlock Your Potential by Combining Doing and Thinking
Glen Patterson
January 28, 2025
Are you constantly chasing the next big thing, always striving for more? In today's fast-paced world, it's the norm. But is it really the best way? What if there was a different approach, a way to achieve success without burning out?
But as Peter Drucker so wisely put it: "Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action."
This isn’t just a motivational quote—it’s a powerful career strategy.
Why Reflection Matters in Your Career
When you take a moment to reflect, you’re not just pausing; you’re recalibrating. Reflection helps you:
Understand what works: Identify strategies and actions that yield results.
Learn from mistakes: Pinpoint areas for improvement without being overly critical.
Align with your goals: Ensure your efforts are driving you toward your career aspirations.
Example: Let’s say you’re a sales professional. After a challenging quarter, reflection might reveal that you’ve been focusing too much on volume and not enough on client relationships. By identifying this, you can shift your approach for better results in the next quarter.
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How to Incorporate Reflection into Your Career
Set Time for Weekly Reflection
At the end of each week, ask yourself:What went well?
What didn’t go as planned?
What will I do differently next week?
Example: A project manager might reflect on a week’s milestones and realize that clearer communication could have avoided delays.
Leverage Feedback
Seek constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. Use this as a lens for your reflection to uncover blind spots.
Example: After a team presentation, a colleague might suggest improving slide visuals. Reflect on this and make changes for future success.Document and Plan
Write down your reflections and translate them into actionable steps. This helps you track progress and create a roadmap for improvement.
Example: If you’re in a job search, reflect on your interview performances. What worked? What questions stumped you? Use this to refine your preparation.
The Career Benefits of Reflection
Improved Performance: Regular reflection helps you fine-tune your skills and strategies.
Confidence Building: Knowing what works boosts your confidence for future challenges.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Reflection ensures you make informed and intentional career moves.
Now. Picture yourself confidently navigating your career path, making informed decisions, and achieving your ambitions. Consistent reflection allows you to learn from your experiences, identify your strengths, and chart a course for continued success.
Reflection in Action
Imagine a content marketer who launches a campaign. By reflecting on its performance metrics—engagement, click-through rates, and audience feedback—they can replicate the tactics that worked and revise the ones that didn’t. This ongoing process of action and reflection ensures constant improvement.
Key Takeaway
Your career isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Taking intentional pauses to reflect doesn’t slow you down—it sets you up to run smarter, faster, and stronger.
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New Opportunities
Find your North Star.
Stay positive. Stay focused. Keep learning. Stay connected.
Wishing you continued success!
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