Only a Few Excel at Self-Reflection: Insights from Mizukara's New Survey
Self-reflection, especially during the year-end and New Year, can be a challenge for many. As December rolls around, thoughts often shift towards the past year and the resolutions for the coming one. Yet, how many individuals truly make meaningful changes based on this introspection? To unpack this question, Mizukara, a coaching company that specializes in cognitive science-based coaching, conducted a survey of 500 working men and women aged 25 to 59 on November 18, 2025, focusing on their year-end reflection habits.
The survey results were surprising. It was found that only 3 out of 100 respondents could be classified as adept at reflecting on their past year. Even those who are professional high performers in their jobs may be failing to effectively implement a personal review cycle. When considering even minor improvements in reflection, only 16.8% reported they managed to achieve significant changes based on their reflections. This low percentage signals a concerning reality about our capacity for self-improvement.
As we contemplate our New Year's resolutions, it seems that they often fade quickly into forgetfulness. According to the survey, only 4.8% of participants maintained consistent awareness of their resolutions, and when including those who recalled their commitments a few times a week, this number only incrementally increased to 14%. This alarming statistic shows that the enthusiasm for new beginnings can evaporate as people return to their daily routines.
Furthermore, is it reasonable to expect meaningful self-reflection from a short holiday period? To explore this further, the study also examined the time it takes for individuals to overcome significant career obstacles. The findings indicated that about 30% of individuals have broken through a career 'wall' recently, yet the time taken for trial and error in this journey varied broadly—ranging from one month to over six months. Most breakthroughs occurred around the three-month mark.
This data suggests that relying solely on a week of year-end reflections is insufficient for true internal change, underscoring the need for incorporating regular intervals for self-reflection into one’s routine. With those needing improvement, the challenge is twofold: awareness of the need for change and the strategic implementation of better reflection practices.
Reflecting on one’s own ineffectiveness in self-reflection can lead to feelings of discontent—are we simply lazy, or is this a common struggle? The survey shed light on a prevailing sentiment: many struggle with reflecting effectively, however, this doesn’t equate to being exempt from personal growth. Rather, it presents an opportunity; by engaging in proper reflection and goal setting, individuals can join the ranks of the effective three per hundred.
It is paramount to recognize that the resolutions and practices we implement must be reinforced constantly to remain effective. The likelihood of forgetting or neglecting these updated reflection habits is significant, and can happen swiftly—much like the resolutions we formulate at the start of the year fading into obscurity. If you're serious about enacting change in your life, consider the coaching services offered by Mizukara as a viable avenue for sustainable growth.
Research Overview:
(Note: Figures in tables/graphs are rounded off and may not sum to 100%.
About Mizukara Corporation:
Mizukara Corporation operates under the philosophy "Everyone has potential". We focus on discovering individual strengths through fundamental self-understanding, providing career coaching for individuals, organizational coaching for corporations, and experiential self-understanding programs like REBOOST. Our goal is to tackle low job satisfaction rates in Japan by facilitating "self-development" for individuals and "emergent organization development" for businesses. Our aim is to foster an era where people and organizations can actively pursue their goals in all aspects of life.
For More Information:
If you have any inquiries or wish to request an interview regarding this release, please contact us at: Mizukara Corporation
The survey results were surprising. It was found that only 3 out of 100 respondents could be classified as adept at reflecting on their past year. Even those who are professional high performers in their jobs may be failing to effectively implement a personal review cycle. When considering even minor improvements in reflection, only 16.8% reported they managed to achieve significant changes based on their reflections. This low percentage signals a concerning reality about our capacity for self-improvement.
As we contemplate our New Year's resolutions, it seems that they often fade quickly into forgetfulness. According to the survey, only 4.8% of participants maintained consistent awareness of their resolutions, and when including those who recalled their commitments a few times a week, this number only incrementally increased to 14%. This alarming statistic shows that the enthusiasm for new beginnings can evaporate as people return to their daily routines.
Furthermore, is it reasonable to expect meaningful self-reflection from a short holiday period? To explore this further, the study also examined the time it takes for individuals to overcome significant career obstacles. The findings indicated that about 30% of individuals have broken through a career 'wall' recently, yet the time taken for trial and error in this journey varied broadly—ranging from one month to over six months. Most breakthroughs occurred around the three-month mark.
This data suggests that relying solely on a week of year-end reflections is insufficient for true internal change, underscoring the need for incorporating regular intervals for self-reflection into one’s routine. With those needing improvement, the challenge is twofold: awareness of the need for change and the strategic implementation of better reflection practices.
Reflecting on one’s own ineffectiveness in self-reflection can lead to feelings of discontent—are we simply lazy, or is this a common struggle? The survey shed light on a prevailing sentiment: many struggle with reflecting effectively, however, this doesn’t equate to being exempt from personal growth. Rather, it presents an opportunity; by engaging in proper reflection and goal setting, individuals can join the ranks of the effective three per hundred.
It is paramount to recognize that the resolutions and practices we implement must be reinforced constantly to remain effective. The likelihood of forgetting or neglecting these updated reflection habits is significant, and can happen swiftly—much like the resolutions we formulate at the start of the year fading into obscurity. If you're serious about enacting change in your life, consider the coaching services offered by Mizukara as a viable avenue for sustainable growth.
Research Overview:
- - Title: Reflection on "Year-End Reflection" Study
- - Target Group: 500 working men and women aged 25-59 (Nationwide)
- - Survey Date: November 18, 2025
- - Method: Internet survey
(Note: Figures in tables/graphs are rounded off and may not sum to 100%.
About Mizukara Corporation:
Mizukara Corporation operates under the philosophy "Everyone has potential". We focus on discovering individual strengths through fundamental self-understanding, providing career coaching for individuals, organizational coaching for corporations, and experiential self-understanding programs like REBOOST. Our goal is to tackle low job satisfaction rates in Japan by facilitating "self-development" for individuals and "emergent organization development" for businesses. Our aim is to foster an era where people and organizations can actively pursue their goals in all aspects of life.
For More Information:
If you have any inquiries or wish to request an interview regarding this release, please contact us at: Mizukara Corporation
- - Email: [email protected]
- - Website: Mizukara Corporation
Topics People & Culture）
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