Focus Point
Turning Experience into Insight.
We have them all day, everyday. In fact by noon we probably
have several. I am referring to Life Experiences. And the only way to
turn these experiences into insight and building blocks for the future is if we
take time to reflect. Let me explain.
Theodore Roosevelt said: "He who makes no mistakes,
makes no progress." But if we make the same mistakes over and over we also
make no progress. John Maxwell teaches: "Never pay twice for the same
mistake." So the goal here is to be able to learn and grow from our
experiences and setbacks to the point that they become building blocks for the
future. We remember the expression that history repeats itself, and so if we do
not learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it right?
I invite you to try an exercise that will last for 7 days.
What if every day this week you would take ten minutes or so at the end of the
day, and think through every single event and conversation both positive and
negative. Make mental note of what you would do differently if you had the
chance to do it over again. In addition to mental notes, also take a pen and
paper and take further notes on areas where you feel you did well, and areas
you feel you would like to improve. This process is called reflection and can
be a very effective way to process the events and experiences that happen each
day.
The trick is understanding that what separates average
achievers from high achievers is their perception of and their response to
mistakes and failure, and that it is all based on a daily habit of processing
the events in our minds, so that we can in fact be more effective on the next
go around. Yesterday ended last night, and we have a new day and a fresh start everyday.
Life may happen automatically, but we can only turn Experience into Insight
if we take the time to Reflect.
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