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UK Coaching Talent and Performance
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Talent and Performance Self-care and development

Questions for Effective Reflection

Giving yourself time to reflect is a crucial aspect of development. Use these questions, all on different topics, to target your reflection appropriately

The importance of introspection, examining your own thoughts, feelings and sensations to gain greater insight, is essential to truly be aware of your mental and emotional state. 

If you don’t make the time and effort to refocus your mind on the positive through introspection, you won’t give yourself the opportunity to grow and develop.

To reflect and build a better understanding of yourself, best practice is to ask deep and open-ended questions. The examples below can help you get started.

  1. I am at my best when? 
  2. When I get negative thoughts, how do I deal with them? 
  3. What activities am I doing when it feels like the time just ‘flies’ by? 
  4. What is my dream goal? Why is it so important?
  5. What’s in my way to achieving this, slowing me down? 
  6. What three words best describe me? Would my family and friends use the same words?

It takes courage to grow up and be who we really are.

ee Cummings

Ready to go deeper?

Take a moment to think about how you currently feel about yourself.  

What is the reason behind how you feel? How can you move ‘towards’ or ‘away’ from this?

Have a go

Rank the most important things in your life, (such as career, family, coaching, money, power, love, or learning).

Then consider?

- How much time do you spend on each area proportionately?

- Do you need to think about adjusting your time allocation?

- What would have the most significant impact on moving you closer to your dream?

- What can you do tomorrow to take a step closer?

 
  1. If I could change one thing right now, what would it be?
  2. What are my three strengths? (Describe the last time you used each one)
  3. What brings me the most joy and happiness?  How can I increase the number of times I feel like this in the next month?
  4. What am I most proud of and why?
  5. When do I feel most energised?

It takes courage to grow up and be who we really are.

ee Cummings

Ready to go deeper?

Have a go

Imagine it’s your retirement party. Someone has been asked to say a few words, a speech to commemorate your work and time at the organisation… 

- What do they say about you?

 
  1. What do I really value in my coaching?
  2. Am I coaching true to my philosophy?
  3. Am I putting enough time and energy into my key relationships?
  4. What’s holding me back at the moment?
  5. Am I still focusing on the goals I have set myself?

It takes courage to grow up and be who we really are.

ee Cummings

Ready to go deeper? 

Have a go

Write about a time when your coaching felt real, necessary and satisfying to you, whether your experience was physical or mental, professional or as a volunteer.

Considering that time:

- How did you feel?

- What emotions have your reflections reignited?

- How can you recreate these feelings and thoughts?

- What do you need to do to start this?

 
  1. What experiences in my life have shaped me the most? 
  2. What do these look like in my coaching practice/sessions? 
  3. What is one thing I wish I did this year but didn’t because I was afraid? 
  4. Am I spending enough time on my health and well-being? 
  5. What brings me joy and happiness? 

It takes courage to grow up and be who we really are.

ee Cummings

Ready to go deeper?

Have a go

What was the most important character-building experience you've been through?

Fix it in your mind and consider:

- What key life lessons did you learn?

- How did this shape you as a person and as a coach?

- What impact did it have on your coaching practice?

 
  1. Who are my role models? What makes them important to me?
  2. Who inspired me as a coach? Why? (What stood out about them as a coach?)
  3. What qualities do I most admire about them?
  4. If I was a superhero, who would I be and why? What superpowers would I have? How could I use them in my coaching?
  5. How have my role models helped or hindered my development?

The Process

Interested in going back to the beginning? Our expert opinion offers a clear process to follow and further insight into reflection

Dive in

Related Resources

  • Understanding the Johari Window Thinking Tool

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  • Understanding and Reflecting on Your Identity and Self-Concept

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  • Using Think Aloud to Develop Your Coaching Practice

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UK Coaching Talent and Performance