Oh Sh*t! Did I Really Do That??

Self-reflection and accountability are like two sides of the same coin, uniquely meshed in the journey of personal growth. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of your actions and their consequences. It happens! However, it can be beneficial to your mental health when you slow down, pause, and take an honest look at yourself.

As teenagers, you’re on a thrilling journey of self-discovery, and one of the most valuable tools you can wield on this path is self-reflection. It’s more than just thinking about your day; it’s about returning back to your emotions, actions, and thoughts in a mindful and insightful way.

Self-reflection is like having a personal check-in with yourself. It helps you understand who you are, what you value, and have you wondering what you want to do with it. It empowers you to learn from your mistakes, grow as a person, and become more accountable for your choices.

Accountability is the next step in this process. It requires you to take responsibility for your actions done to yourself and/or others. Owning up to your mistakes is humbling but crucial for personal development. It’s not about self-blame, but rather, it’s an acknowledgment of the role you play in different situations.

In this journey be patient with yourself and practice self-compassion. Being insightful and mindful with patience and self-compassion is key. Ask yourself why you did what you did?How did it make you feel? What can you learn from it? This deeper level of introspection allows you to grow emotionally, mentally, culturally, and even spiritually.

Incorporate self-reflection into your daily routine, perhaps through journaling, meditation, or even conversations with trusted friends.
This journey of self-discovery and accountability is a lifelong one, but as teens, you’re in a prime position to start building these important skills. We know… we know… “but Dr. G & Wilson! Procrastination is taking the best of me,” and that’s fine! We trust that you will work on building those skills when you are ready. So, take a moment each day to look within, learn from your experiences, and become the best version of yourself.