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How well do you know yourself?
Do you think about why you do the things you do?
Self-reflection is a skill that can help you understand yourself better.
Sunwoo Jung / Getty Images
We also discuss when self-reflection can become unhealthy and suggest some coping strategies.
Why Is Self-Reflection So Important?
Self-reflection is important because it helps you form a self-concept and contributes toward self-development.
Yourself-conceptincludes your thoughts about your traits, abilities, beliefs, values, roles, and relationships.
It plays an influential role in your mood, judgment, and behavioral patterns.
It helps you understand and strengthen your self-concept as you evolve with time.
Realizing the problem can help you correct it.
Or, say youvejust broken upwith your partner.
Being mindful of these behaviors can be helpful in other relationships.
We all have faults and room for improvement.
Reflect on the behaviors or actions you want to change and take steps to do so.
It can help to think of what you would say to a friend in a similar situation.
Apply the same compassion to yourself and focus on what you’re free to control.
She recommends preparing yourself to get comfortable with the uncomfortable before you jump in.
Think of your time in self-reflection as a safe space within yourself.
Avoidjudgingyourself while you explore your inner thoughts, feelings, and motives of behavior, says Francis.
Simply notice what comes up and accept it.
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