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Unlock Your Full Potential: The Power of Reflecting on Successes
In the fast-paced world of personal and professional development, there is an often overlooked gem that holds the key to unlocking your full potential: the art of studying your successes. Nearly fifteen years ago, a groundbreaking Harvard Business Review article introduced the concept of the Reflected Best Self Exercise (RBSE), a tool that has since been embraced by thousands of people worldwide in various settings, from corporate trainings to graduate courses. This exercise allows individuals to harness the power of positive feedback and personal stories to nurture personal growth and enhance relationships.
The RBSE teaches us a valuable lesson: we benefit immensely from receiving positive feedback about our strengths and contributions. Unlike critical feedback, which can be jarring and emotionally charged, positive reflections can get overlooked or downplayed due to discomfort or modesty. However, it’s essential to savor these moments and hold onto them as they are vital for personal development.
To start the journey of self-discovery, create a digital or physical space where you can collect positive feedback you receive. Save thank-you notes, comments from evaluations, or even compliments from friends and family. Take the time to review this collection regularly and ask yourself: What patterns emerge? How…
