Reflective practices can significantly improve candidates' understanding of their strengths and weaknesses by encouraging self-assessment and critical thinking. Regular journaling or self-evaluation after study sessions allows candidates to identify areas needing improvement and recognize successful strategies. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can provide clear benchmarks for progress. This introspective method fosters a growth mindset, allowing candidates to adapt their approaches and ultimately enhance their performance in preparation for the UPSC examination.