The Best Way to Learn—But You’d Rather Avoid It
Sometimes, life throws us into situations that we’re not prepared for
We’ve all heard the saying, “Experience is the best teacher.” But what does that really mean? Well, it means that sometimes, the lessons that stick with us the longest are those we learn the hard way—through our own trials, errors, and yes, even embarrassing moments. Let me take you back to a day when I learned a lesson I’ll never forget.
A Memorable First Day
It was my first day as an intern at a factory. I was young, eager to impress, and maybe a bit nervous. After a few hours of training, I felt the need to use the restroom. Without giving it much thought, I headed to the nearest one. As soon as I walked in, everything seemed normal—until it wasn’t.
After taking care of business, I reached out for toilet paper, and to my horror, there was none. Absolutely none! I was trapped in a situation that no amount of training could have prepared me for. Eventually, I managed to figure out a solution, but the lesson was clear: Always check for toilet paper before you sit down.
Now, this might sound like a minor mishap, but it was a powerful reminder. That day, I learned the importance of preparedness, and it’s a lesson that has stuck with me ever since.
The Power of Personal Experience
This story is a prime example of how personal experiences, even the small or seemingly trivial ones, can leave a lasting impact. When you live through something firsthand, especially something inconvenient or embarrassing, you’re far more likely to remember it and adjust your behavior in the future.
Think about it: how many times have you learned something simply because you made a mistake or found yourself in an unexpected situation? Those are the moments that carve deep grooves into our memory, ensuring we don’t repeat the same mistake twice.
Why Learning Through Experience Works
Memory Retention:
When you experience something firsthand, your brain makes stronger connections, making it easier to remember.
It’s one thing to read about a concept or hear advice, but living through it embeds the lesson in your mind.
Emotional Impact:
Experiences that come with strong emotions—whether positive or negative—are more likely to stick with you.
The frustration, embarrassment, or even the sense of achievement associated with an experience creates a lasting impression.
Behavioural Change:
When a lesson is learned through experience, it often leads to immediate behavioural changes. After my toilet paper incident, I never again entered a bathroom without checking first.
This kind of change is powerful and often more enduring than one prompted by external advice.
Confidence Building:
As you accumulate experiences and learn from them, your confidence grows. You start to trust your ability to handle unforeseen situations, which can be invaluable in both personal and professional life.
Practical Tips for Learning from Experience
While learning through experience is incredibly powerful, there are ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of these lessons:
Reflect on Your Experiences:
After going through a significant experience, take some time to reflect on it. Ask yourself what you learned and how you can apply that lesson in the future.
Embrace Mistakes:
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes—they’re a natural part of the learning process. Instead of beating yourself up, focus on what you can learn from the situation.
Be Open to New Experiences:
Sometimes, we get stuck in our routines, which limits our opportunities to learn. Try new things, even if they push you out of your comfort zone.
Share Your Experiences:
Talking about what you’ve learned with others can reinforce the lesson and provide valuable insights for those around you.
When Experience Isn’t Enough
While experience is a fantastic teacher, it’s not the only one. There are times when learning from others—through books, mentors, or formal education—can save you from unnecessary hardship. Balancing experiential learning with advice from others can provide a more well-rounded approach to mastering new skills or knowledge.
A Lesson for Life
So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, sometimes, life throws us into situations that we’re not prepared for—like a bathroom with no toilet paper.
But it’s these very moments that teach us lessons we’re unlikely to forget.
The best way to learn something often involves getting your hands dirty, making mistakes, and reflecting on those experiences. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a major life event, the lessons learned through personal experience are the ones that shape us into who we are.
Next time you find yourself in an unexpected situation, remember—there’s a lesson in there somewhere, just waiting to be uncovered. And who knows? It might just be one of the best lessons you’ll ever learn.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Cracking the growth equation in a one person business,
Anfernee
Like this post? Consider doing these 2 things:
"The Solopreneur Code" is targeted towards solo entrepreneurs, providing insights, tips, and strategies for success in running a business independently, share with your community if you think this is helpful for them.
Have a question? Comment below!
Enjoyed reading this
Nice read Anfernee, first hand experience of an unexpected situation always sticks with us as a lesson!