Every good story has a point. Every good joke has a punch line. Every good reflective essay leaves its readers with something to think about. As you reflect on your subject, consider why it’s important to you, and think about how you can make it important for your readers. Then ask whether they’ll care about what you’ve decided to share with them. The main idea of your reflective essay should hold some significance for your readers. Ideally, after reading your essay, they’ll continue to think about what you’ve written.

By now, you’ll have reflected a great deal on your subject, and you’ll be in a good position to identify the most significant aspects of what you’ve learned. To find significance, freewrite or brainstorm about your subject for ten or fifteen minutes. Ask yourself what your readers will need or want to know about it. Ask what will spark their imaginations. Ask what will stir their emotions. Then ask whether the ideas you’ve come up with will help you accomplish your goals as a writer.