A Practice of Pause & Reflection
By Rosie Santos
How often do you pause to check in with yourself? What does this process look like for you? If you’re reading this, you are a person who strives to create impact. We helpers often find ourselves pouring energy into others without reflecting inwardly. Yet, regular self-reflection is critical for growth and sustainability. At Perspective Guides (PG), we believe that intentional reflection isn’t just a personal exercise—it’s the foundation of transformation and necessary to contribute to meaningful work with others.
Reflection doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution or strategy, and that’s the beauty of it. Finding a method that resonates with you and fits seamlessly into your life is the key. The first step in effective planning is determining your style. Do you prefer physical or virtual tools? A combination of both? There are many approaches for both formats. Dated journals can be helpful for weekly goal-setting versus open-ended journals, which can be better for more spontaneous reflection that you can pick up as needed.
Over the years, I’ve tried numerous journal styles, customizing and shifting formats as my needs evolve. This year, I use two planners: one dedicated to Perspective Guides and another for my personal life. This dual approach helps me stay grounded while maintaining a clear vision for the organization’s growth and impact.
At PG, we encourage clients to incorporate strategic goals into their daily scheduling, reflection, and planning practices. A daily self-reflection practice can unlock creativity, clarify goals, and strengthen resilience. It’s about creating a space to pause, recalibrate, and realign with your purpose.
If you’re looking to establish or refine your reflective practice, consider these questions:
How do you currently check in with yourself?
What tools or methods resonate with you, and why?
How can a consistent reflection practice support your personal and professional goals?
Finding the time and space to reflect can feel challenging, but the rewards are worth it. When we pause, we can show up more authentically and intentionally in all areas of our lives. These practices should excite and inspire us. I love collage, washi tape, and stickers. Making art in my planner makes me more likely to return to my plans and visualize the action steps to achieve my tasks.
One of the tools that has been a cornerstone of my reflective practice since 2018 is the Passion Planner, queer- and BIPOC-owned. Their planner is thoughtfully designed and excellently made. Here are some snapshots from my work planner.
