They say, “Self-reflection is the school of wisdom,” and it’s true. Taking the time to pause, look inward, and honestly examine your thoughts, emotions, and actions is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth.

We’ve all had moments we wish we could take back—words we regret saying, reactions we didn’t plan, or behaviors that didn’t reflect who we truly are. Instead of brushing those moments aside, what if you used them as opportunities for understanding?

Ask yourself: “What triggered me to behave that way?”
Maybe it was something someone said. Maybe it was just the presence of a certain person that stirred up old emotions. Sometimes, a strong emotional reaction seems to come out of nowhere. But with reflection, there’s always something beneath the surface.

Self-reflection is how we begin to uncover the “why” behind our actions. It helps you move from automatic reactions to conscious responses. That shift is where real change begins.

In hypnotherapy, we often guide clients to explore these emotional reactions on a deeper level. Hypnosis gives access to the subconscious mind—the part of you that stores emotional patterns, beliefs, and memories. Sometimes, the reaction you’re having in the present moment is actually rooted in something that happened years ago. Once you recognize that, the charge around it can begin to dissolve.

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques are also effective in helping clients recognize patterns. Through simple but powerful questioning and language techniques, we help people identify the thoughts and beliefs that are fueling unwanted behaviors. Once those patterns are revealed, we can begin to shift them into more helpful, empowering ones.

For example, someone who feels intense anger when being ignored might discover that it’s not about the present moment at all—but a long-standing belief that they’re not seen or heard. Once that belief is uncovered and reframed, the emotional trigger often disappears. That’s the power of self-awareness combined with therapeutic tools.

Time Line Therapy® takes this work even further by helping clients release the emotional charge from earlier events. Once that’s cleared, many people find they respond differently—more calmly, more confidently, and with more clarity. And that leads to greater happiness and peace of mind.

Self-reflection isn’t about judgment. It’s not about beating yourself up for what you did wrong. It’s about noticing with curiosity, learning with compassion, and choosing how you want to move forward.

Greater happiness comes from knowing yourself, understanding your triggers, and consciously deciding who you want to be. That’s how you grow. That’s how you create change that lasts.

So take a moment. Reflect. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this?

That simple question could open the door to a better version of you.

Jayne Goldman, MBA, C.Ht., is the Founder and Principal of Best Life Hypnotherapy in Los Angeles. She specializes in helping clients uncover the root causes of emotional triggers and limiting patterns through hypnotherapy, NLP coaching, and Time Line Therapy®. Her work empowers people to gain self-awareness, shift old behaviors, and create lasting positive change.