Self-reflection is a powerful tool for growth, but only if balanced with action – learn from mistakes, then move forward.
In this article, TIA Alumni, Wayne Moorcroft (Partner at Amicos Insurance Enterprises) explores the power of self-reflection, emphasising the importance of acknowledging both successes and failures while maintaining forward momentum.
He highlights how embracing mistakes, learning from them, and balancing introspection with action leads to personal and professional growth.
Acknowledging flaws and imperfections
My mentor had an interesting way of looking at problems. Whenever we faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable, he would say, “Take it head-on and get it done.” Simple advice, but in moments where an outcome was needed and no solution was in sight, fear often took hold of me.
I’m reminded of a Jordan Peterson video where he talks about the power of honest self-reflection – truly sitting down with yourself, asking and answering the hard questions, and acknowledging your flaws and imperfections. Not in a way that leads to self-deprecation, but rather in a way that fosters awareness and growth. A person who can do that is powerful.
The evolution of self-reflection
When I was younger, I was a deeply pensive person. I could sit for hours, lost in thought, simply swimming in my own consciousness. Those were simpler times. These days, self-reflection looks different. Sometimes, it’s constructive – analysing past actions to learn and improve. Other times, it’s overly critical, focusing on missteps and failures that were beyond my control.
But self-reflection isn’t just about identifying what went wrong. It should also be about recognising what went right – appreciating the moments of success, however small, and taking pride in personal growth. If we only measure ourselves by our failures, we’re missing half the picture.
Yet, I find myself sometimes avoiding self-reflection altogether. It’s uncomfortable. A lot can happen in a short period, and facing the truth head-on can be daunting. It’s easier to seek distractions – immediate gratification, numbing behaviors—rather than confront the person in the mirror.
Embracing imperfection
There’s a biblical concept that says, “There is no judgment for the man who judges himself.” Forget the spiritual aspect for a moment and consider its practicality. If you can laugh at yourself, own your mistakes, and acknowledge them openly, their power over you diminishes.
Imagine you’re in a boardroom, presenting to fifteen people. You trip over a word – some might chuckle. Most people would instinctively try to correct the mistake and move on, hoping no one noticed. But the person who simply acknowledges it, maybe even laughs at themselves, and continues speaking? That’s the person who leaves the moment behind instantly, both in their own mind and in the minds of their audience.
Hiding from mistakes often amplifies their effect. Owning them removes their sting. More importantly, it allows you to move forward without the weight of shame holding you back.
The balance between reflection and progress
Self-awareness is an incredible asset, but too much self-reflection can lead to stagnation. If we get caught up in what could have been, we risk disconnecting from what is. At some point, reflection needs to translate into action – otherwise, it’s just wasted thought.
A great example of this mindset comes from the world of elite athletics. During the CrossFit Games a few years ago, defending champion Matt Fraser made a costly mistake – loading the wrong weights during an event. The organisers caught it after the fact, and he was penalised, dropping significantly in the rankings. The headlines exploded.
Yet, Fraser went on to win the competition that year. When asked about the mistake in a post-event interview, his response was simple: “You need to put that stuff (paraphrasing) behind you as quickly as possible and forget about it.” That’s the mindset of a champion. He reflected on what happened, extracted the lesson, and moved forward. He didn’t dwell on it.
Learning from mistakes
As professionals, we often strive for perfection. We put immense pressure on ourselves to get everything right, and when we fall short, we feel like failures. But the truth is, success isn’t about never making mistakes- it’s about how we handle them.
Looking back on my own journey, I see two key themes. First, I’ve made a lot of mistakes – and I continue to make them. Maybe not the same ones, but mistakes, nonetheless. Second, for much of my career, I often felt like I had no clue what I was doing. And while that might be an exaggeration, it was this honesty that made me realize something critical: If I wanted to grow, I had to learn from my mistakes. I had to ask for help.
Self-reflection is necessary, but it’s a tool, not a destination. As Nietzsche put it, “If you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you.” Reflection can unlock potential you never knew existed – but stare too long, and it can drown you.
So, reflect. Learn. Then move forward.