In honor of International Women's Day 2021, I'm so pleased to share a guest post from my talented colleague Diane Draper. Her sage advice about self-reflection is so timely, as we contemplate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our lives, our families, and our careers.
The Art of Self-Reflection
Within any significant life occurrence, especially those you didn't see coming, the experience can be terrifying, bringing many uncertainties into focus. Anyone who has experienced such an event may agree that a few things are inevitable; the event will certainly knock you off balance, cause fear and anxiety, and test your endurance. Besides, the experience and lessons learned will forever live in one's memory. Your ability to dig deep within, find the strength to persevere, and provide answers to the questions swirling around in your mind is where the challenge lies.
Self-reflection is an art form that requires you to go within to seek the answers. Unfortunately, some people are too busy and don't take time out to perform this task. Therefore, they are susceptible to taking the reactive approach instead of the proactive stance. Consequently, it will make matters worse and not better.
I'm a firm believer that there's a solution to almost every problem. Hence, my perspective during difficulties focuses on three milestones discovered through the art of self-reflection. They also became my reference points that occupy my daily center-stage spotlight. Where I've come from, What I've experienced, and Who I've become are significant reference points that provide aid during times of difficulty. Those vantage points offer insight into the paths traveled and the valuable lessons learned along my journey, providing a plethora of useful information from which to choose.
Where you've come from, What you've experienced, and Who you've become may ... bring structure to your self-reflection
Diane Draper
My life lessons display the blueprint of the tried and true path traveled to avoid certain pitfalls going forward. For that reason, during my daily self-reflective moments, I continuously consult my references to draw strength and find answers to the questions I seek, which solve most of my dilemmas. Ultimately, enabling me to see the horizon within the difficulties and devise a plan to move forward.
Likewise, suppose you're anything like me and want to solve your dilemmas. In that case, the same perspective of Where you've come from, What you've experienced, and Who you've become may also be of use and bring structure to your self-reflection time, in hopes that you can also find the horizon during difficulties and your plan to move forward.
About the author
Diane Draper is currently a Management Associate at Genentech. She possesses over 20 years’ experience in diverse areas, in permanent and contract roles, encompassing general administration, the entire continuum of secretarial functions, administrative support functions, reporting, and overall liaison supporting top executives.
Diane is inspired daily by her spiritual practices, which fuel her faith, strength, and resiliency. Diane is also a published author, singer/songwriter/producer and enjoys writing books and creating music to share her wisdom with others and provide inspiration and encouragement. She enjoys spending time with her two daughters, family, and friends. She also enjoys cooking, exercising, swimming, playing basketball, and traveling.