The Power of Looking Back: How Reflection Boosts Mental Health

Have you ever scrolled through your old pictures and said to yourself, "Wow, I really had questionable fashion sense" or "I can't believe I worried about that"? That, my friend, is progress in motion. Looking back on how far we've come isn't a sentimental journey down memory lane—it's an essential ingredient for mental health.

The Danger of Forward-Only Thinking

We exist in a culture that worships the hustle. Society tells us, "Keep pushing, keep climbing, and don't stop until you get to the top!" But where is the top, anyway? If we never take time to recognise our progress, life becomes a gruelling treadmill—running at full speed but feeling like we're going nowhere.

Looking only forward and never backward can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout. If we dismiss all our past accomplishments, we may be able to talk ourselves into believing that we're not improving at all. And that simply isn't so! Thinking about progress provides our minds with concrete evidence that we are changing, growing, and managing life more effectively than we believe.

A Mental Pat on the Back

Consider progress reflection a comforting, reassuring hug from your previous self. Remembering the past reminds us that we've gotten through difficult times before and can do so again. That time you believed you'd never make it through that terrible job? Well, here you are, thriving in a much improved environment. Acknowledging wins—big or small—fosters self-confidence and resilience.

The Science of Looking Back

Research in psychology supports the power of self-reflection. Studies indicate that monitoring progress improves motivation and emotional well-being. It serves to refocus our attention from what we don't have to what we do have, building a healthier, more balanced state of mind. And naturally, we become more thankful as we can observe how much we've progressed. And gratitude, as we all know, is like a free serotonin booster.

How to Make Reflection a Habit

Keep a ‘Wins’ Journal: Write down small victories, breakthroughs, or even just things you handled better than before.

Monthly Check-Ins: Once a month, ask yourself, "What have I learnt? What challenges have I overcome?"

Compare You to You: Not to social media influencers or that one friend who ‘has it all together’ (spoiler: they don’t).

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