"نحن لا نتعلم من التجربة... نحن نتعلم من التفكير في التجربة"

When we say that we don’t learn just from what happens to us, but from thinking about what happens to us, it’s like saying experience alone isn’t enough. The real magic happens when we pause and think about what just went down. Imagine you’re on a long road trip without a map—stuff happens, you get lost, find new paths, maybe even stumble on some hidden gems. But if you don’t take a moment to reflect on that journey, you might miss out on the lessons it offered.

Historically, this idea was shared by John Dewey, an influential American philosopher and educator. Dewey was all about progressive education, emphasizing that learning isn't merely about absorbing facts but about experiencing and then thinking deeply about those experiences. He believed that reflection turns raw experiences into meaningful learning.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Think about a time when you had a challenging project at work. Maybe it was your first time leading a team. You faced hurdles—tight deadlines, team conflicts, maybe even a budget cut. The project ends, and you move on. But did you really learn from it just because it happened? Not necessarily. Now, picture this: after the project, you sit down with your team, and you guys dissect what happened. What went well? What could’ve been better? You realize that better communication could’ve solved half the issues. That’s reflection. The next time you lead a project, you will remember these insights and hopefully avoid some of those pitfalls.

So, how do you make this reflection thing a habit? Start small. After a significant event—whether it’s a big presentation, a tough conversation, or even just a hectic day—take five minutes to jot down your thoughts. Ask yourself simple questions: What just happened? How did I react? What could I do differently next time? It’s like having a mini-debrief with yourself. Over time, these reflections will become a treasure trove of insights.

Now, let’s anchor this with a relatable story. Picture Sarah, a young professional who just moved into her first management role. She’s enthusiastic but a bit overwhelmed. Her team’s first project together is a mixed bag of successes and hiccups. Instead of rushing to the next task, Sarah decides to hold a ‘retro’ meeting—a casual, honest chat about what happened. They laugh about the mishaps, highlight the victories, and brainstorm improvements. Sarah realizes she was micromanaging and her team felt stifled. She wouldn’t have caught this just by moving on to the next project. It’s this reflection that helps her grow into a more effective leader, fostering a team that’s not just productive, but happy.

So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of an experience, big or small, remember that the gold isn’t just in the doing but in the thinking about the doing. It’s like re-watching the game tape after a match—you see the plays you missed and spot opportunities for next time. It’s in these moments of reflection that we truly learn, grow, and improve.