Some actors and athletes watch their tapes. They review everything they did to understand and improve. They want to see their performance and find a way to take it forward. 

That’s a good thing.

Others, though, and somewhat famously don’t (until they do). 

In some areas of my life I’ve grown comfortable reviewing my work and improving it. For over a year I edited one of my podcasts. I never liked listening to my voice, but editing your work for a year will force you to hear your voice hours on end.

The result is I got used to my voice and no longer cringe when I hear myself speaking. I’m comfortable with it, and occasionally even proud of what I said. 

Because of the editing process I got better. I learned to self-edit some of my stutters, to slow down (a little) and speak with purpose. It wasn’t fun, but getting used to myself and voice has helped a lot.

I can’t say the same yet with video. If I see myself on video, I feel myself want to disappear inside. It’s not comfortable. Maybe I should embrace that though. Improvement requires reflection.