The Path to Self-Improvement






























To me, the greatest outcome of reflection is self-improvement. As Dewey stated, reflection cannot exist without a purpose and self-improvement is the greatest purpose. This map is designed to show the path to self-improvement. It begins with the current, unideal self. The path to self-improvement is often a winding maze with many opportunities to get lost, turned around or distracted. An obstacle presented in this map is "entrenchment" which traps us in our ways and makes improvement difficult, until it is overcome. The photos that overlap the path show what must occur on the way to self-improvement. The first of which is thought, or an initial idea. Next is reading or searching for information, which is very important in my field of science. Before the research process can truly begin, information on the developments already made in the field must be acquired. Following research is cognition and metacognition, which are deeper levels of thought with the latter being directly related to reflection. Finally is collaboration with others. This is also very important in science because it is important to rely on colleagues who may have insight that you lack or suggestions for how to improve your own research or ideas. Collaboration is most helpful at the end of this process because you have already put in a great deal of thought and reflection into your ideas and your self. Others exist to point out the things you have overlooked. All of these avenues, particularly reading/research and collaboration, help to create knowledge composed of information from different platforms. Eventually, this path will lead to creating a better version of yourself, whether in a professional or personal way.

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