Reflective writing, such as in a journal, is one way to keep developing through your career. But finding time to write around a busy schedule is hard. This blog suggests 5 ways to turn those good intentions into a habit.
Reflection is a key component of any healthcare professional’s learning journey. Almost any OT qualifying today will have had to work on a number of reflective assignments throughout their time as a student, and with good reason. Reflection helps us to process, understand and learn form the events that we encounter in our careers. As a learning tool, reflective writing is one of the most effective, and easily accessible methods an occupational therapist has.
Just as learning does not stop the moment we are qualified, reflective writing should not stop either. Of course, this is easier said that done. With the competing pressures of work, family and the rest of life, finding the time to sit down and write reflectively can be hard.
This blog will share five ways to build a reflective writing habit.
Little and Often
You don’t have to write much to capture your thoughts at the end of a day. Even just a few lines of scribbled notes will help you process your experiences. 5 minutes at the end of a shift, or before you go to bed will soon build up over time.
Pefrect is the Enemy of Done
When writing for assessment, you will have had to comply with the conventions of academic style, adhere to word counts and structure your writing in a certain way. This rigidity can put people off. But when you are out on your own, none of this matters; the important thing is capturing your thoughts. So don’t worry about perfect grammar, finished sentences or correct style – just write with freedom! Remember – no one has to see this apart from you.
Know the Structure
When writing reflectively as a student, you will almost certainly have followed a particular model. Gibbs, Kolb, Johns and many others have all provided templates for reflective writing. While useful as a means of presenting your thoughts formally, there is no need for you to follow such a rigid structure in your private reflective journal. Underlying all reflective models are three simple questions: What happened? What did I learn? What (if anything) would I do differently next time?
It doesn’t matter whether you use a full-form diary entry style or quick bullet points with key words that only you understand. As long as you have answered these three questions you have completed the reflection process.
Build in Cues
Habits become easier to keep when we are constantly reminded of them. Simple steps like keeping your journal somewhere visible such as on the seat of your car, or by your bedside table rather than stuffed in a bag can serve as reminders to write.
Build in Rewards
Habits are also easier to keep when we are rewarded for the activity. What reward can you build in to your reflective writing time that will motivate you to keep it? Perhaps you could combine it with a coffee break, or jut ten minutes out in a favourite location.
To Sum Up:
Reflective writing is such an important part of your learning journey because it gives you the tools to be able to grow within your practice. Continuing it throughout your working life is not easy, but by making it a habit as described above, you can continue to enjoy the benefits it offers.