Quotes for Reflection

I find myself reflecting on this past year often. How surreal it still seems that we’ve been living through a once in a lifetime historical shift in our society. I also think about how things will change as a result of the past year and everything happening in present day. Around this time last year, I was asking myself similar questions and I shared this blog, What Will Be the New “Normal?” I said, “It's under circumstances like these where I reflect on quotes and lessons from our nation’s past to help us look forward.”

When I sat down to write this blog, I laughed at my reflecting on this past year to find myself reflecting over quotes and lessons from history and through all this reflection I find so much importance and gratitude for moments of reflection. As redundant as that previous sentence was, I truly was humbled by the ability to look back at moments from the past and remind myself of the journey. The past has a way of making you appreciative for everything in the present.

With all this in mind, here are some of my favorite quotes about reflecting on the importance of the past.

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” Margaret J. Wheatley

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.” Leonardo da Vinci

“Change comes from reflection.” Genesis P-Orridge

“I thank God for my failures. Maybe not at the time but after some reflection. I never feel like a failure just because something I tried has failed.” Dolly Parton

“People who have had little self-reflection live life in a huge reality blind-spot.”  Bryant McGill

“Great leaders develop through a never-ending process of self-study, self-reflection, education, training, and experience.” Tony Buon

“Reflection… Looking back so the view looking forward is clearer.” Unknown

“We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.” John Dewey

“Reflection is one of the most underused yet powerful tools for success.” Richard Carlson

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Confucius

Today I urge you to take some time for self-reflection and to look back at the trials and triumphs from the past year.

All the best,

Jeff Beckham