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Earlier this month a time span of over a week was designated as a time of reflection, atonement and rededication in the Jewish calendar. Reflection is something I do a lot of – I have for many years quite regularly in my daily or weekly goings on. At that time every year I reflect on my year and perspectives at that snapshot in time: my thoughts, what’s important at the time, my relation to people in my life, my work – purpose, where I want it to go and how I contribute in the larger scheme of things.

Coincidentally, on September 4^th there was a small article in the Wall Street Journal reporting on studies indicating that reflecting on the positive at the end of each day significantly reduces stress for workers. Well, that’s another persuasive reason for regular reflection. Stress reduction – what a gift!

As far as I can observe, reflection time on the part of people of all ages has decreased and stress has increased. At least a loose connection would not be surprising. Our lives have undoubtedly become more stressful, and the popularity of yoga and meditation has not made a big dent in it overall. We are besieged by: more work with less time to do it; so many choices; economic challenges; the seeming need to be connected – always on; complex relationships that don’t get adequate attention; rapid change; and my personal big stress button second to health issues (other people and mine, if I have them) – which is technology breakdowns and glitches. They all add up.

People have little time to reflect, and the younger generations (to generalize) never seemed to have developed the reflection habit or even a reflection “gene.” What they are missing are the benefits of processing in their minds and bodies the implications of what has occurred and, as much as is in their control, to devise solutions and action plans.

Reflecting on positive achievements, even small ones every day, leads to good feelings. The reflection/stress study co-author Theresa Glomb of the University of Minnesota Carlton School of Management added, “The real impact comes from writing down why those things – the good things that happened - led to good feelings.” That sounds like a positive accomplishment in itself – a stress-busting habit we need to train high school and college students to adopt.

To add one more piece of ammunition, when asked what career advice he would give to a class of graduating students, Daniel Lubetsky, chief executive of Kind Snacks, related this in an interview with Adam Bryant for his Corner Office New York Times column: “…make sure that you talk to yourself, that you think hard about what is important to you and gives you meaning. When I was 19 and walking between classes, I didn’t have a phone, so my brain would take me in all different directions… But nowadays, we’re on our iPhones all the time, and you don’t have time to talk with yourself, to analyze… It’s very important for people to know what gives them meaning. But it’s hard for people to figure out if you are not connecting with yourself and taking the time to just be introspective and daydream.”

How do you build reflection into your daily life? How has it helped you?

I'd love to hear your ideas. Please send your comments and thoughts to pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com or share on the Cross-Generational Conversation group on LinkedIn.

Phyllis

© Phyllis Weiss Haserot, 2013. All rights reserved.

* The generational chronology for easy reference: Generations are defined by the similar formative influences – social, cultural, political, economic – that existed as the individuals of particular birth cohorts were growing up. Given that premise, the age breakdowns for each of the four generations currently in the workplace are approximately:

Traditionalists:                            born 1925-1942   

Baby Boomers                             born 1943-1962

Generation X                                born 1963-1978

Generation Y/Millennials            born 1979-1998   

For coaching, training and special programs on inter-generational challenges for and among 4 generations in the workplace, attracting and retaining clients and employees of different generations, and maximizing the potential of young professionals and work teams, call or email Phyllis for an exploratory talk or complimentary coaching session at 212-593-1549 or pwhaserot@pdcounsel.com. Ask about our signature program *Frontrunner 5.”

Phyllis is available to speak at your organization or at firm retreats on inter-generational relations and organizational effectiveness topics. Call or e-mail for a list of topics or to custom-tailor your own.