“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”
John Dewey
John Dewey reminds us that true growth isn’t merely a byproduct of time spent or tasks completed. It’s what we do after the experience that shapes our wisdom and defines our success.
Every day, we encounter challenges, triumphs, and setbacks. But moving through these moments without pause does little to enhance our understanding or future actions. It’s easy to fall into the trap of busyness, thinking that the more we do, the more we’ll grow. Yet, growth comes not from doing alone but thinking critically about what we’ve done.
Reflection transforms the experience into actionable insight. In those quiet moments of introspection, we ask ourselves the tough questions: What did I learn? What could I have done differently? How will this shape my future decisions? These reflections are the crucible in which raw experience is forged into wisdom.
We must carve out time to reflect to become better leaders, partners, and individuals. This practice deepens our understanding and prepares us to face the future with greater clarity and purpose.
So, the next time you complete a project, overcome a challenge, or even face a setback, remember to take a moment to reflect. It’s not the experience that teaches you; it is the ability to stop and consider what you have learned that will guide your path forward.
