44 Self-Reflection Prompts To Celebrate Your Progress And Foster Resilience

Since we live in a goal-oriented society, we are conditioned to largely focus on the next achievement or goal we want to accomplish. But how often don we use self-reflection to see how far we have come and how resilient we became? 

Using self-reflection allows us to slow down, look within, and become mindful of our progress. By taking a moment to practice internal high five, we are focusing on and celebrating our wins which inspires us further. 

In my work, celebrating wins with my clients is a must. I often throw my hands in the air and began clapping.

First, I feel deeply happy when they break their limiting belief or overcome behavior that kept them stuck. Second, they remember that celebrating their progress is as important, if not more, than reaching the next goal. It also supports their inner resilience and a belief that they can succeed in the face of adversity.

Use self-reflection to focus on what you want to create more of

We often focus on what we need to do or what we did wrong instead of recognizing what we have accomplished so far.

In the book Buddha’s Brain, The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom, author and psychologist Rick Hanson says that “your brain preferentially scans for, registers, stores, recalls and reacts to unpleasant experiences.” It means that our brain is wired to unconsciously think and reflect on the negative side of things, whether externally or internally.

Conscious self-reflection focused on our strengths, progress, and success deliberately drives our minds in a positive direction and makes us feel good about ourselves. Then this feeling of good inspires and motivates us to keep going while being hopeful and excited about the future. It also highlights our strengths and boosts self-esteem.

44 Self-Reflection Prompts

1. What is your biggest goal, personal/professional, that you accomplished within the past year?

2. What does accomplishing this goal mean to you?

3. What was the biggest challenge you overcame when achieving it?

4. Reflecting on the past 12 months, in what area of your life have you made the most progress?

5. Who have you become in the process of striving for this goal/goal?

6. What was one thing you thought you couldn’t do but you did?

7. What helped you to do it?

8. What drives and fuels you to keep going?

9. Reflecting on your challenges and past misfortunes, which one brought the most wisdom?

10. What is an example of you using failure as a stepping stone to move forward?

11. What is your greatest strength?

12. How can you/will you use it to move forward?

13. What are some of the limiting beliefs you have and are aware of?

14. How do they challenge you when pursuing your dreams, and how can you work with them?

15. What would be the opposite of these beliefs?

16. What pulls you out of a dark place?

17. What makes you feel invincible and driven?18. What has been the healthiest decision you made this year?

19. How have you stepped outside your comfort zone to grow, and how did it make you feel?

20. What is the most powerful tool for you to feel cared for and nurtured?

21. What opens your heart and connects you with people and places around you?

22. How can you bring more of it into your life?

23. What has been the biggest pain or sorrow you healed within the past 3 years?

24. How did your life change because of it in a positive direction?

25. What past experiences helped you to make life-changing decisions?

26. What was the most courageous step you ever took, and how did it change your life?

27. What are you most proud of yourself?

28. Considering challenges you’ve faced within the past 2 years, how did they positively shape you?

29. What makes you feel empowered?

30. What personal accomplishment makes you feel most grateful?

31. Reflecting on your biggest past challenges, what brought the most healing into your life?

32. How can you let it inspire and motivate you going forward?

33. How much time and effort do you invest into recognizing your progress?

34. What do you love about yourself?

35. What is one example from your past when you followed your heart and acted despite all odds?

36. What helps you trust yourself, and how can you embrace more of it?

37. What is the best habit you acquired within the past 12 months?

38. What or who has been the most influential support for you?

39. When you feel stressed, what brings the most ease and peace into your space?

40. What is the best thing that happened to you within the past year?

41. What has been the most radical act of self-love you performed towards yourself?

42. How did it change the way you see and respect yourself?

43. What is the most valuable lesson you learned this year, and how it altered your growth?

44. Reflect on the risk you took within the past 5 years that turned out well. What did it teach you?