Confessions and Reflections: The Road to Honest Growth
Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential in 2025
Excerpted from Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential Through Inner Growth, Momentum, and Impact by Iann Schonken at Amazon.com.
There comes a point in everyone’s journey when we have to pause—not just to rest, but to look inward. In the rush of daily life, it’s tempting to keep moving without considering where we’re going, how we’ve changed, or who we’re becoming. That’s why confession and reflection matter so much. They help us slow down, look around, and, more importantly, look within.
Confession is an act of courage. It’s admitting the things we’d rather hide—the mistakes, the detrimental habits, the moments we wish we could take back. But that act of honesty clears a path. It creates an opportunity for transformation.
Reflection, on the other hand, is the mirror. It allows us to trace where we’ve been, examine how we got here, and discern what we’ve learned along the way.
Together, confession and reflection offer us a kind of internal compass. They point us toward authenticity. They steer us toward growth.
Socrates, the philosopher, once said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” ¹
Those are strong words. But they ring true. If we never take the time to examine our thoughts, behaviors, and motivations, we risk drifting aimlessly through life, unaware of our potential—or our pitfalls.
There’s something profoundly transformative about owning our truth. When we confess what we’ve done wrong, we free ourselves from the weight of denial and shame. Reflecting on our past experiences teaches us valuable lessons that can influence our future lives. In doing so, we become more self-aware, more compassionate, and more grounded.
Confession and reflection don’t just make us better—they make us real. They strip away the mask and allow us to become more aligned with our values. This kind of alignment brings integrity. When we’re honest with ourselves, we can be honest with others. And when we live with integrity, we build trust—with people, with God, and even with our future selves.
Of course, avoiding this kind of honest self-work can be tempting. It’s easier to keep moving than to stop and take stock. But that avoidance leads to stagnation. We find ourselves repeating patterns, stuck in the same ruts, unsure why we’re not growing.
C.S. Lewis offered a sobering reminder when he said this:
“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road.” ²
When we're willing to change direction, we make the most meaningful progress.
While there is no universal method for practicing confession and reflection, it is essential to start with honesty. Whether you speak aloud to a trusted friend, write in a private journal, or sit silently with your thoughts, honesty is the foundation. It allows the process to be real, not performative. And that’s where growth begins.
Some people find strength in asking for feedback. Occasionally, another person’s perspective is precisely what we need to see what we’ve been missing. Trusted friends or mentors can help illuminate blind spots and highlight strengths we’ve overlooked. In the same way, celebrating our successes is just as important as admitting our failures.
When we reflect on what we’ve done well, we’re reminded that growth isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about building on what’s beautiful.
Setting intentions for growth becomes the logical next step. Once we’ve identified where we’ve fallen short and where we’ve succeeded, we’re equipped to set meaningful, personal goals. These goals don’t have to be grand. Even the smallest commitment to improvement—done with consistency—can create lasting change.
For those walking a path of faith, confession takes on even more profound meaning. It becomes an act of surrender and trust. In 1 John 1:9 (NIV), we’re given this promise:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
There’s healing in that kind of honesty. Not condemnation. Not shame. Healing.
That spiritual dimension extends into reflection as well. Many find comfort and guidance in Scripture, using its wisdom to anchor their thoughts and recalibrate their direction. The Psalmist prayed these words in Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV):
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
This prayer invites God to examine you gently and graciously.
A tranquil setting can significantly impact your well-being. Whether it’s a quiet corner in your home, a walk through nature, or a moment in your car before the day begins, find a space where your thoughts can surface honestly. Stillness makes room for truth to rise.
Guided reflections—whether through prompts, devotionals, or meditations—can help bring structure to your practice. And when paired with gratitude, they become even more powerful. Taking time to notice what’s good, what’s improving, and what’s worthy of thanksgiving shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance. Gratitude doesn’t dismiss our challenges—it gives us strength to face them with perspective.
If you’re part of a faith community, lean into it. Occasionally, the insights we gain from spiritual mentors, pastors, or fellow travelers can help bring clarity to what feels confusing. Their wisdom often affirms what God is already whispering in our hearts.
In the end, confession and reflection are gifts. They help us return to ourselves. They teach us to listen deeply. They remind us that it’s okay to be unfinished—as long as we’re willing to grow.
Socrates, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/socrates_101168
C.S. Lewis, “We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/c_s_lewis_132782
Always good material. Always timely. Thanks, Iann.