The Importance of Reflection. 

I recently attended a Women’s Network Australia lunch in Sydney, where the very lovely Vicki Writer, NSW State Manager AIA Australia, presented. Vicki made a very good point that has stayed with me.

She pointed out that we are forever looking forward and always wanting to achieve more. The problem with this, although necessary too, is that we rarely take time to reflect on how far we have come.

Vicki will be pleased to know I took this comment on board (no pun intended having spent years in the airline industry), turned around and reflected on my achievements of the past year.

Just over a year ago I created Louise M shoes, for the niche market of corporate women and cabin crew. This time last year I was newly retired from a 17 year airline cabin crew career, and had not long completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Curtin University.

The past year has been a huge challenge for me with every step a potential stumbling block. I am proud of my key achievements of sourcing shoes in Europe, and increasing product lines to include leather bags, scarves and luxury legwear. I look forward to seeing where the next year is going to take me.

I am also thrilled, honoured and better for the wonderful people I have met along the way. Women’s network groups providing me the opportunity to meet like-minded women in a variety of new and established businesses, as well as receiving a great deal of encouragement and support from friends, family, and strangers that I can now say I am fortunate to know.

I now run and exercise on a regular basis, eat healthily, and sleep past 4am (most days)!

In doing this reflection I have taken note of my progress and have, for a moment at least, stop being so hard on myself. Persistence and determination have been prominent in my thoughts and vocabulary, and this will not change as I move into my second year of business.

However from now on, I will always remember to reflect and recognise my past achievements. Have you?