A Reflection on Reflections.

One of the dangers of assuming that reflection and critical self analysis can provide answers to life's difficult questions is that it assumes a consistent point of view. It assumes that when you reflect on a situation to draw a conclusion that informs your future behaviour that a similar reflection at another juncture will yield the same results. Having witnessed many occurrences when two or more people can debate a single question and fail to reach a consensus; whilst on many occasions believing a successful resolution has been achieved. I am beginning to conclude that even a single person can struggle to reach a conclusion despite being unchallenged. So having questioned the very concept of self reflection; what are the merits and does this potential lack of internal consistency negate the process. I think that the fact the same situation can lead to different conclusions at different times should not be a surprise. After all, the one thing that has changed between the two reflection points is time. So even in the duration of a meeting time is moving on and information is being exchanged. This could well lead to a change of position. Reflecting on a given event in the working day provides the opportunity to take stock. The fact that considering the same event in the future might lead to a different conclusion in no way detracts from the relevance of the original perspective. The hope is that a little critical self analysis can avoid issues and problems being repeated. It gives the chance to ask the question; 'if I face this situation tomorrow how would I modify my behaviour to enhance the outcome'. In essence, knowing what I know now what will I do differently tomorrow.