Mastering Reflection: Key to Smart Problem-Solving

Welcome to Authentic Living Coaching
I’m Linda Codlin, Transformational Life Coach.

Welcome, My Friends.

This week we look at Step 5: Reflection and Adjustment– Critical Thinking in problem solving for teaching a beginner. 

Step 1:Curiosity is the foundation of critical thnking in problem solving for the beginner.
Step 2: Break a Problem Down into smaller pieces to reduce the feeling of overwhelm or not knowing where to start.
Step 3: use Real Life Examples so we can make the critical thinking process relevant for everyday living by turning abstract ideas into usable tools.
Last week we covered Step 4: Perspective Taking, teaching beginners how to see a problem from different points of view.

A quick overview and reminder of the 5 Steps to Teaching Critical Thinking to a Beginner.

This week we look at Step 5: Reflection and Adjustment, learning, tweaking, and improving what we have tried out. 

Step 5: Reflection and Adjustment.

Reflecting and adjusting makes sure you actually learn, improve, and solve problems more effectively the next time around.

1. Show why reflection matters.
   Reflection matters because it turns problem-solving into a learning process, not just a one-time fix.
   If you don’t check how well your solution worked, you might repeat mistakes or miss a chance to make it better.
   Checks if it worked – Without reflecting, you don’t know if your solution actually solved the problem or just covered it up for now.
   Example: You fix a leaking tap by tightening it, but if you don’t check back, you won’t notice it’s still dripping.
   Builds improvement – Reflection helps you spot what to keep and what to change.
   Example: If you try a new study method and it only half-works, you can keep the useful parts and adjust the rest.
   Saves time and energy – Learning from what didn’t work means you don’t repeat the same mistakes.
   Example: If cooking pasta without enough water makes it stick, reflecting helps you avoid wasting food again.
   Encourages growth mindset – Reflection shows “mistakes = feedback,” not failure. That builds resilience and confidence.
   Closes the loop – It completes the problem-solving cycle. Without reflection, the process is unfinished — it’s like planting seeds but never checking if they grew.

2. Give a simple guiding structure.
Teach them to ask three basic questions after trying a solution:
What problem was I trying to solve?
What solution did I try?
What went well?
What didn’t go so well?
What could I do differently next time?

3. Use “before-and-after” comparisons.
Ask them to notice differences in outcome.”
Here’s a set of guiding questions that help the beginner to compare outcomes in a practical way:

By setting “Before” and “After” side by side, learners can see the difference clearly — even small wins. That makes it easier for them to decide:
What’s worth keeping.
What needs adjusting.

I’ve used the same examples for comparison as above to how how using the ‘Before” and “After” comparisons work. 

4. Encourage Trial and Error as Normal.
   Remind yourself that growth rarely happens in a straight line.
   Trial and error is not failure—it’s feedback. Each attempt shows you what works and what doesn’t, giving you valuable insight for your next step.
   Normalize mistakes as part of the process, and celebrate the effort of trying, not just the outcome. By seeing trial and error as a natural part of learning, you reduce pressure, build resilience, and create space for steady improvement.

There are 3 parts to reflecting on your process and thinking encouraging you to figure out what to try next. 

1. Investigating the Process.

2. Investigating Thinking.

3. Deciding what to try next.

Trial and error being normal is important because it takes the fear out of mistakes and reframes them as stepping stones instead of setbacks. Each attempt, whether successful or not, provides useful feedback about what works and what doesn’t.

Using the three examples of purchasing a car, changing a tap washer, and doing homework/study to show how this process could look and be used for beginners in real life. 

5. Practice Reflection in a Safe Way.
   A good way for beginners to practice reflection in a safe way is to make the process small, private, and non-judgmental.
   The goal is to build trust in their own thinking, so the process feels supportive rather than critical.
   Keep it private at first – Write or record reflections just for themselves, so they don’t feel pressure to perform or impress.
   Use a simple structure – For example: What went well? What was tricky? What did I learn? What could I try next time? This makes reflection less overwhelming.
   Start with neutral examples – Reflect on everyday, low-stakes activities (like cooking a meal or going for a walk) before moving into bigger decisions.
   Focus on progress, not perfection – Notice small improvements and lessons rather than looking for flaws.
   Use a supportive tone – Encourage self-talk that’s curious and kind, not harsh or judgmental.

Here’s a simple step-by-step mini-reflection exercise you can use with beginners.

6. Make Adjustments.
   Reflection is powerful, but the real magic happens when you adjust and try again.
   Beginners often feel pressure to get it perfect, but adjustments don’t need to be big or overwhelming.
   Here are 5 ways to support the beginner in making adjustments.

Keep it small and specific – Instead of overhauling everything at once, encourage them to pick one small change they can apply immediately. Success builds momentum.
Link to their “why” – Help them connect the adjustment to their personal goals or values. If they see the benefit (“this will save me time,” “this will reduce stress”), they’re more likely to act.
Frame it as an experiment – Adjustments don’t have to be permanent. Treat them like trials: “Let’s see how this works for a week.” This removes pressure and makes change feel safer.
Celebrate progress, not perfection – Highlight even tiny improvements. Progress acknowledgment keeps motivation alive and reinforces learning.
Encourage accountability – Suggest they share their intended adjustment with a peer, mentor, or journal. Speaking it out makes it more real.

Every adjustment builds confidence, strengthens your skills, and moves you closer to the outcomes you want. Small steps practiced consistently become lasting habits. That’s how learning transforms into growth.
For beginners, the best encouragement is to remind them: “You’re not starting over—you’re starting smarter.”

oxoxo Linda

Are you ready to feel more confident when faced with everyday challenges? Whether it’s making decisions, solving practical problems, or simply wanting to think more clearly, this beginner-friendly course is designed to guide you step by step.

In 6 simple lessons, you’ll learn how to:

1. Foundations: What is Critical Thinking and how to start
2. Gathering Evidence: Asking good questions
   3.. Spotting Bia, Assumptions & Logical Thinking: Map reasoning logically.
3. Generating options: Divergent (Idea generation) & Convergent (quick filtering) Thinking
4. Choosing & Evaluating Solutions: Evaluate tradeoffs and next steps.
5. Implementation, Reflection & Building the habit: Convert decisions into action plans.

This course is practical, supportive, and perfect if you’re just beginning your journey into critical thinking. By the end, you’ll feel empowered with tools you can use in daily life, from small household challenges to bigger life decisions.

Join us today and take the first step toward confident, clear, and calm problem-solving!
Email me at authenticlivingwithlinda@gmail.com to express your interest and for further information.

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As a certified Life Coach, I help you to help yourself, so you can create a well lived life your way. 

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