Self-Reflection: Five Quotes to Help You Think about You

Share this article:

Self-reflection is a form of self-care. It is taking a closer look at your feelings and behavior and working to be your best self. Being intentional about taking time for self-reflection is necessary to gain a better understanding of who you are. If you are not someone who focuses on yourself often, these self reflection quotes can help motivate you to take a closer look at yourself.

About four months ago, I vowed that I would take some time on Sundays to do a little self-reflecting.  I have a list of goals (long- and short-term) and I check myself each Sunday to see if I’m doing things that will put me in the position to reach those goals.  If not, then I make the necessary adjustments to put myself in line to do so. Or, I make adjustments to my list.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, we earn a commission, but it won’t affect your purchase price or experience.

What is self-reflection in simple terms?

Simply put, self-reflection is taking a look at the man in the mirror. As you look in the mirror, the goal is to describe what you see. Ask yourself, “Who is this person?” Look past the physical characteristics and focus on your feelings, personality, dreams, goals, etc.

You may be wondering exactly why you need to do this assessment of yourself. Here are a few reasons:

• to become more self aware
• to evaluate your habits
• to accelerate your personal development
• to better understand your feelings
• to improve your relationship with others

What are some quotes about self reflection?

My favorite quotes are the ones that motivate me to be my best self.  Here, I’m sharing five of them with you in hopes that you will find them motivating and encouraging.  You may even want to take some time to self-reflect using one or more of these quotes as a catalyst for your thoughts.

We so often get wrapped up in everything and everybody else around us.  Take some time to think about you! Knowing you is an important stop on your journey to happiness.

I generally replace “sit on a rock” with “lie on a massage table” (wink, wink). I’ve also replaced it with “go on a dinner date” or “take a long walk” or “take the scenic route home.”  Either way, that time alone serves a purpose.  Being able to evaluate yourself without interruptions of life is so important. Don’t minimize the power of quality alone time.

I have a story to share about my last “me time” date.  I was sitting alone eating in a restaurant.  The waiter asked me if I was waiting on someone and I politely told him that I wasn’t.  He was going above and beyond to provide excellent service, almost to his demise.  I kindly said to him that I had everything that I needed and that he could leave me alone for a little while and that I’d signal for him if I needed him.  He came back, yet again, and said that he hated that I was having to eat alone.  I corrected him quickly: “Sir, I’m alone.  Not lonely.  This is my “me” time.”  You see, I’m very serious about protecting my “me” time.  It’s my gift to myself.  It’s also my gift to my family.  The saying is true, “When Mom’s happy, everyone’s happy.”

It’s so easy to get caught up in finding faults in everyone else.  And honestly, it’s way more “fun”.  I mean, who wants to admit that they have faults?  Society has repeatedly fostered this finger-pointing behavior that so many of us have. But what’s the purpose of it?  Is it productive?  Does it directly impact you or your happiness?  If not, then you may want to reevaluate this activity if it’s something that you’re guilty of.

This quote makes me think of a sign that I have hanging on the wall in my office.  It reads, Worry About Yourself.

Need I say more?  Acknowledge the role that you play in your life. Rather than looking around for someone else (or something else) to blame, realize the power that you have to make choices that affect your life. (That includes the choice to be happy!)

I hope I never get to the point where I think I’ve learned it all.  I’m a lifelong learner and I try to use every day as a chance to learn, grow, and become better than I was the day before.  I’m forever green.

Perspective.  It’s so important.  It’s so powerful.  Whether you see the glass as half empty or half full, you’re right. 

Here’s another one that needs little to no explanation.  I learned a long time ago that people will make decisions for you based on what’s best for THEM.  You have to be in charge of your own life. It’s time out for saying yes to things that are supporting everyone else’s vision but your own.  I’m not saying that you don’t ever need to help someone else.  I am, however, saying that if most of the things that you are doing are burdensome or contribute to most of the stress in your life, you need to let some of those things go. 

Those are just five of the many quotes that are either scribbled in one of my notebooks, bookmarked on my web browser, or hanging on a sticky note somewhere in my house.  Your self-reflection may or may not look like this.  You don’t have to use quotes.  Whatever you choose to do, just make sure that you’re taking some time to self-reflect regularly.