Maintaining a reflective journal

Maintaining a reflective journal

Understanding Reflective Journals

• Understand that a reflective journaling is a personal record of your thoughts, ideas, and responses to experiences in the workplace.
• Learn that it’s focus is on personal growth, learning, and development.
• Know that it helps in evaluating your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to set personal and professional goals.

How to Maintain a Reflective Journal

• Record experiences and observations daily. Do not rely on memory alone.
• Detail emotions, challenges, achievements, and moments of realisation during your work experience.
• Use first-person narrative, writing in an informal and honest style that reflects your voice.
• Be candid but respectful, treating the journal like a trusted friend to whom you can openly express yourself.

Contents to Include in a Reflective Journal

• Outline your daily activities, focusing on what you did, learned, and achieved.
• Discuss any feedback and instructions given by colleagues or supervisors.
• Reflect on your real-life application of skills taught in your sports course.
• Identify and discuss any new skills or knowledge acquired.

Reflection and Analysis

• Don’t just describe events, reflect and analyse them too.
• Explore your thoughts and feelings about these experiences.
• Consider how they might impact your career aspirations or professional development.
• Use these discoveries to plan your future steps.

Final Review and Conclusion

• Periodically reread your entries to understand better your progress and development.
• Identify patterns, improvements, or areas you need to work on.
• Draft a conclusion summarising main developments and learnings, and plans for the future.
• Keep your reflective journal confidential but be prepared to discuss its contents if required in assessments or interviews.