Making Time for Reflection: A Bufferchat Recap

This week in #bufferchat, we explored one of the core Buffer values: making time for reflection. In the discussion, we talked about what reflection can look like from person to person, how it can impact one’s life, strategies for building a habit of reflection, and more!

Catch our weekly Twitter chat, #bufferchat, at TWO times every Wednesday for valuable industry insights and networking with nearly 400 other smart marketers and community managers. Same topic, same place, just at different times – feel free to join in to whichever chat time works best for you!

For our community in Asia and Australia (or anyone in other timezones that like this time the best!): 4 pm AEST (Sydney time, UTC+10)

For our community in North/South America, Europe and Africa (or others!): 9 am PT (California time)

Q1: What does reflection time look like for you? Does it involve movement, stillness, or something else?

From the community:

• “Reflection time for me usually involves meditation, a gratitude journal or a nice hike/walk/run or being outdoors.” @nancycasanova
• “Reflection time for me is about periodic timeouts. May it be workout, music or just unplug self from distractions.” @bharatpc
• “Showers generate gazillion ideas. Then I write them with dry erase marker all over the mirror.” @twittarrpirate
• “Getting out in nature and writing or talking things out. Being outside clears my mind and allows me to do deep dives.” @scribblinghappy
• “Absolute calm & stillness. A peaceful place where I’m with just myself.”  @mehulgohil

See all the great answers to question 1 here!

Q2: Do you schedule in time for reflection or do you do it spontaneously?

From the community:

• “I’d love to be able to schedule it but at the moment it’s catch as catch can. Grabbing a calm moment from the storm.” @GallowsHumor7
• “I’m trying to make it part of my weekly routine – but it can be a challenge to step away from #sm & “switch off.” @TeeYYC
• “I do a bit of both knowing the areas I need to approve upon. I try to actively reflect before & during tasks/moments/situations.” @LauraUlrick
• “It’s incorporated in my daily life. Usually when I’m on the train looking out the window or just before bed.” @OraneCheung
• “Very much spontaneously. Sometimes it’s difficult to set aside time for reflection until you realize you need it!” @ATBridgeman

See all the great answers to question 2 here!

Q3: How often do you like to reflect, and why?

From the community:

• “Everyday. As an INFJ I feel quite discombobulated until I take time for reflection.” @AnnaAnnamotion
• “At the beginning of the week to evaluate improvements and goals for the week and towards the end of it to reevaluate.” @bobbiejo015
• “I try to reflect at least once a day, on what went well & what I still need to tackle – then a weekly reflection at the end.” @ourmisadventure
• “I’ll have to say weekly…just to think about my business and ensure it’s going in the right direction!” @KhadyaHale_VA
• “I want to reflect more often, but I don’t because tbh I’m really scared of confronting the past sometimes.” @winniegiang

See all the great answers to question 3 here!

Q4: How does self-reflection make an impact in your life?

From the community:

• “It’s the only way I can move forward instead of staying stagnant by noticing the little things that I accomplish.” @brebiai
• “I find that the more time/energy you dedicate to yourself, the better you are at work & in life. You gotta put *you* first.” @ImAGirl_YouKnow
• “I think it leads to a happier me too, more appreciative for the things I have, less desire for the things I want.” @nick_leffler
• “Taking time to reflect always helps me process a situation and the lessons I can take away from it.” @EffrtlsslyGEEK
• “It helps me clear my mind and make decisions. When I’m wound up in stress, I feel panicky. Reflection calms me down.” @marymangione

See all the great answers to question 4 here!

Q5: Have you ever experienced a realization or new idea while reflecting? If so, feel free to share more!

From the community:

• “Almost every single time. That’s what reflection is supposed to be about isn’t it?” @SearcySledge
• “Absolutely. I realized I was unhappy and unhealthy at my office job. Now I work from home and have become much more active!” @NatashaWest_
• “While walking the beach recently, I realized I was approaching a huge project at work from a wrong angle. Helped me regroup.” @RCPatchett
• “Recently I realized changes need to happen in my work so I can be present + intentional as a mom.” @OlyviaMedia
• “I generate all my best ideas while reflecting. It’s the only time my brain slows enough to actually catch ideas flying by.” @brittwills4

See all the great answers to question 5 here!

Q6: What are some strategies for building a habit of reflection?

From the community:

• “Test moments that may be reflective (walking, sitting quietly, cooking). Once you find your thing, schedule it into your day.” @optimizemybrand
• “It’s also important to surround yourself with positive, goal-oriented people. Could motivate you into good habits.” @YellingMule
• “Pick a time when you feel like your head is most clear. Time of day & place can effect outcome of your reflection.” @BrightHausGroup
• “Cut off the digital cord. When you have nothing to do, you will end up reflecting. *for people who can’t schedule*” @SanelySocial
• “Keep a success journal of the a-ha moments prove that time spent in #reflection is valuable and to be prioritized.” @Minimologist

See all the great answers to question 6 here!

Q7: Once you develop new learnings and ideas through reflection, how can you apply them into your life?

• “I’ve found that writing things down and/or sharing w/ friends is a great way to hold yourself accountable.” @CMGRMelissa
• “Break it down and start with the smallest steps possible to lower threshold and gain momentum.” @finnporter
• “You have to schedule time to act on those learnings and ideas. Not scheduled = not happening.” @tylerjanderson
• “It starts with a willingness to change behavior. Easier said than done, but it’s a necessary first step.” @Renoe
• “Write them down. Prioritize. Be purpose-driven. Cut to the bone what’s not important. Do fewer things better.” @allennieman

See all the great answers to question 7 here!

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Thank you so much to our community for sharing your awesome insights and for participating in this chat!

Catch #bufferchat each Wednesday at 9 am PST, 12 pm EST, 5 pm BST **OR** at 4 pm AEST (Sydney time, UTC+10). Join our new Slack community with over 2,000 members to continue these awesome conversations all week long!

Do you have any comments or answers to these questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments! We’d love to hear from you!

Image sources: UnSplash