The Importance of Self-Reflection for Individuals with ADHD: How to
Harness the Power of Positive Psychology
When was the last time you sat down in your favorite spot, sipped on your favorite drink, and really took the time to think about your life?
Self-reflection is not something to be done just as a New Year’s tradition or only when times get tough. Self-reflection becomes effective when it’s intertwined with our everyday life. The importance of self-reflection goes beyond just correcting our mistakes. It has long-lasting impact on our life, helping us stay close to our missions and goals.
The importance of self-reflection is different for everyone, of course. While we all come from different walks of life, there are some universal benefits that come with self-reflection.
Being Critical of Our Actions:
For individuals with ADHD, being critical of our actions can help us identify patterns of behavior that may be causing problems in our lives. By reflecting on our past behavior, we can assess whether the course of action was the best one to take and make adjustments for the future.
Gaining a New Perspective:
It’s when we start reflecting on our actions that we role-play different scenarios in our head. We think about the different ways we could have reacted and about how things could have gone differently. Should things have even gone differently? The only way to see the different sides of the story is by taking the time to analyze it. There is where the importance of self-reflection lies.
Learning Mindfulness:
Once we become critical of our actions and view our life from a different perspective, we become mindful of every step we make, every word we say, and every breath we take. We become aware of what effects our actions have on ourselves and others. It’s at that moment that we can change our actions for the better and grow.
Recognizing Pain Points:
Reflecting on our life means recognizing our weaknesses. It’s looking at where we need to improve, whether that’s our thoughts or our actions. As scary as that might sound, it’s the only way to make actual progress and inspire growth. For individuals with ADHD, recognizing our pain points can help us develop strategies to manage our symptoms and improve our daily lives.
Keeping Track of Progress:
When we make progress, and are actually able to see the progress, that’s when we become more motivated and proud of ourselves. That’s when we see how the work we put in and the time we spend reflecting, actually makes our lives a little more happier and productive.
Self-reflection can change your life in many positive ways by helping you become a better version of yourself. By incorporating self reflection into our everyday lives, individuals with ADHD can harness the power of positive psychology and build a happier, more fulfilling life.
