Self-Reflections and Constant Questioning Leads to Potential

Self-reflection and constant questioning could be thought of as a circumstance that brings with it intellectual and emotional demands. At times, this may also require each of us to pause and examine not only what we think but also what we are going to do and what is already in place. This is with the added hope that this ongoing process may lead to insights and knowledge, and at the same time to always be willing to question ourselves and do the work in whatever discipline we are engaged in (Asselin & Fain, 2013; Merkebu et al., 2024).

What Is the Purpose of Self-Reflection?

However, let us ask the question: Self-reflection: What does it actually do, and what is its purpose? Broadly speaking, when we self-reflectively examine our thoughts, beliefs, motivations, and actions, this may create the potential for insights and universal learning to take place. But is that actually true?

This inquiry and question becomes particularly important in a world saturated with "all kinds" of information. Every day, individuals encounter claims, opinions, advertisements, and competing narratives that seek attention and influence. Does this really matter? Is it having an impact? Is this impact positive or negative? If it is, why is it having an impact? Who cares, and who is making the choice anyway?

In such an environment, the capacity to pause and self-reflect provides the time and space to evaluate potential actions more carefully and to also consider the consequences that may follow. As such, pause, think, and reflect before you act. What happens if we do not do this? Is that a question for you to ask and answer? Or should it be answered by others? (Phillips et al., 2016; Van Winkle, 2016).

The philosopher Immanuel Kant argued that we should strive to use our reason rather than rely on the opinions or judgments of others. But what if I have a personal truth? What about that? Who has the right to question my personal truth anyway?

Independence of thought requires more than having opinions. It requires the capacity to critically evaluate opinions and the willingness to continually question ourselves and others as often as necessary. The quest for insight, knowledge, and understanding really is an ongoing eternal process (Kant, 1784/1996).

Self-reflection that aims for insight, wisdom, and truth could also be thought of as an act of self-respect, both for ourselves and for the truth. The question that must be asked is this: What is meant by truth? Physics is true, gravity is true, biology is true, mathematics is true, merit and competence are true. These truths are immutable and nonnegotiable. Or are they? What’s the evidence?

Learning Through Ongoing Questions

This process acknowledges that the pursuit of insight, learning, and knowledge is not a destination but a journey.

Along that journey, ongoing questions provide opportunities for growth and advancement, not in the form of dramatic leaps and bounds but through what could be referred to here—at times—as comforting insights and—at other times—uncomfortable truths.

For this reason, honest self-reflection invites us to exchange ideas for the purpose of advancing insight, knowledge, and understanding. Who says so? What if I disagree, and what does it matter anyway?

After many decades and tens of thousands of hours of daily Goju Karate practice, I still occasionally encounter a movement that I have performed in the same manner for years. Then, unexpectedly and delightfully, a subtle extension reveals itself. The movement is the same, and yet something new is now present within it.

I have never waited for these moments, nor have I expected them. They have simply occurred, and now I know the reason why.

It is not because of some "mystical" Goju Karate martial arts "philosophical insight."

This change has taken place as a result of many years, decades, and potentially many thousands of hours of ongoing training and practice, which has changed my brain and my body. And so, the journey continues. Will more discoveries be made? I have no idea.

However, I do hold one personal opinion: If I stop practicing, there is no potential. If I continue to train, there is potential. Where to from here? Does this question have any relevance? In fact, is there a point to any of this? If there is, what is it? Who makes the decisions?

References