By: Cicospace

Reflection is one of the most powerful tools for growth and success. Keynote speaker and leadership expert Jason O. Harris champions this idea, teaching audiences that moments of failure or setbacks are less about what was lost and more about the lessons they reveal. Through his work as a speaker, Harris shares how reflection can drive resilience, self-awareness, and continuous improvement, making it an essential practice for leaders, professionals, and high-performing teams.

As a former military aviator and expert in team dynamics, Harris understands the importance of staying focused under pressure. In one of his talks, he highlights the transformative power of reviewing our actions—both good and bad—to unlock better outcomes.

The Reflection Process: A Tool for Growth

“Part of life is learning to assess where we’ve been,” Harris asserts. Whether in sports, business, or personal development, setbacks are inevitable. But rather than dwelling on what went wrong, Harris urges individuals to approach challenges with curiosity and a problem-solving mindset.

Harris draws a vivid comparison to the routines of NFL players, who always review game tapes. This process, he explains, is not just about celebrating wins but dissecting mistakes to understand what can be improved. “We’ve got to review the game,” Harris says. “We’ve got to review why we won so we can keep winning. We’ve got to review why we lost so we don’t lose the next time.”

This intentional act of reflection transforms setbacks into stepping stones for progress. “There’s a difference between failing and being a failure,” Harris explains. Reflection ensures that even when we falter, we remain committed to getting back in the game and striving for excellence.

Reflection in Action: Asking the Right Questions

Harris advocates for self-reflection as a daily practice. By pausing to examine the day’s challenges, individuals can gain clarity and direction. “When you know you failed in a moment, review it mentally,” he advises. Key questions include:

• What could I have done differently?
• What could I have done better?
• Who can help me understand this better?

This process of thoughtful inquiry shifts the focus from self-blame to actionable insights. Harris highlights the importance of reaching out to trusted peers or mentors for feedback. Whether it’s a colleague or a coach, others can often see gaps or solutions that may not be immediately apparent.

“Pick up the phone,” Harris encourages. “Call someone and say, ‘Hey, I screwed this up today. Can you help me understand what I could do better?’” This collaborative approach not only fosters growth but also builds stronger relationships rooted in shared learning.

Reflection as a Long-Term Strategy

Harris takes the concept of reflection beyond the day-to-day, advocating for regular reviews of longer time periods—weeks, months, and even years. This extended perspective allows individuals to identify patterns, recalibrate their goals, and refine their strategies for success.

By reflecting on a larger scale, Harris explains, we can uncover trends in our behavior, isolate what works, and address what doesn’t. This practice of periodic self-assessment ensures that we stay aligned with our goals while continuously evolving.

Reflection as Leadership

For Harris, reflection is not just about personal growth; it’s a cornerstone of effective leadership. Leaders who reflect set the tone for their teams, demonstrating the value of learning from every experience. Reflection also equips leaders to make better decisions, respond to challenges more effectively, and inspire those around them to embrace a growth mindset.

Harris’s message is clear: reflection is a powerful tool that transforms setbacks into opportunities and failures into learning moments. By cultivating a habit of reviewing our actions with intention and openness, we position ourselves for ongoing success.

Jason O. Harris’s philosophy is a rallying cry for leaders and individuals alike: pause, reflect, and commit to continuous improvement. For more insights on leadership and resilience, visit Jason O. Harris’s website at jasonoharris.com.

Published by Liana P.