The Power of Reflection

How often do you take a moment to reflect on your experiences? Whether it’s during school, clinical rotations, or the first steps of your career, reflection is a tool that can transform your growth. Some Clinical Instructors (CIs) emphasize its importance, guiding you to analyze your experiences and explore what could have been done differently. Others may not. Regardless, reflection is a skill you can cultivate independently—and it’s one I strongly recommend to every new clinician I mentor.

How to Reflect Effectively

Reflection can take many forms. For me, it started during my second clinical rotation. I had a 20-minute commute to and from the clinic, and I used this time for silent introspection. Instead of listening to music or zoning out, I would mentally review the day. I’d ask myself questions like:

• Did I make the best decision for that patient’s exercise plan?

• How could I have better explained the anatomy of the shoulder?

• This patient seemed to respond negatively to my questions—why? How can I adjust my communication to foster a more positive interaction?

I didn’t limit my reflection to patient care. I also considered my interactions with colleagues, CIs, and other PTs. If an interaction went well, I asked myself why it succeeded. If it didn’t, I explored what I could do differently next time. Reflection isn’t about perfection; it’s about identifying what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve tomorrow.

The Power of Journaling

While mental reflection is valuable, I found journaling to be even more effective. Writing things down engages your brain in a different way. Seeing your thoughts on paper (or screen) helps you process details more deeply and retain insights more effectively. Journaling became a powerful tool for me, allowing me to:

• Capture specific experiences with clarity.

• Analyze my decisions and interactions.

• Develop actionable plans for improvement.

Why Reflection Matters

Reflection is the cornerstone of growth. Mistakes will happen—that’s a given. Everyone makes them, from new grads to seasoned professionals. But the difference between stagnation and success lies in how you respond to those mistakes. Reflection allows you to:

• Learn from experiences: Understand what went wrong and why.

• Adjust your approach: Apply those lessons to future interactions and decisions.

• Build confidence: Over time, reflection helps you become more comfortable and effective in your role.

A Daily Practice for Growth

To make the most of reflection, consider incorporating it into your daily routine. Whether it’s a quiet moment on your commute, a dedicated journaling session, or even a brief note on your phone, consistency is key. Ask yourself:

• What worked well today, and why?

• What didn’t go as planned, and what can I do differently?

• How can I use today’s lessons to improve tomorrow?

The Takeaway

Reflection isn’t just a habit—it’s a superpower. It helps you transform mistakes into learning opportunities and good decisions into repeatable successes. By making reflection a regular part of your routine, you’ll not only grow as a clinician but also enhance your ability to help your patients and colleagues. So take the time to reflect, learn, and apply those lessons—every single day.