A Quick Way to Learn from A Difficult Experience

For every difficult encounter, there is a lesson to be learned. As part of your personal development, make a conscious effort to analyze, learn, and move on from these costly experiences.

Confront the challenge.

All too often, we find ourselves engaged in uncomfortable or challenging interactions with people who cross our paths. Such interactions might include dealing with a difficult customer or colleague at work, arguing with a spouse, child, or other family member at home, or confronting a stranger off the streets. These interactions can leave us feeling negative emotions that range from mild annoyance to resentment to desolation. In most cases, we are inclined to set them aside and go on with our day. However, for those key interactions that tend to gnaw at us, take a step back to gain insights on the pros and cons of the situation. Turn it into a positive learning.

Convert the negative into positive.

To convert a negative encounter into a positive learning experience, ask yourself the following questions.

• Start with the positive…What did you do well?
• Continue with…What could you have done better?
• End with…What were your “take aways” or key learning opportunities?

Focus on you.

Since this is your self-evaluation, the focus is on you. Don’t get sidetracked with your emotions or desire to assign blame. To maximize your efforts, ask yourself the questions before too much time has lapsed.

Learn and grow.

While the interaction is over and done, the past has a way of repeating itself if you don’t take the necessary time to learn from it. Your GAIN in any difficult encounter is to grow from the experience. Take advantage of this opportunity!

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Written by: Patricia K. Flanigan, Smart Strategies for Successful Living

Website Link: https://www.agegracefullyamerica.com/

Patricia K. Flanigan has worked in higher education for over 28 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne as well as a M.A.?in Latin American Studies and B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before retiring and moving to Idaho in 2015, she served as the dean of online education and learning resources at Saddleback College, a large community college in Southern California. She currently consults in higher education, volunteers for AARP, writes for a local magazine, and serves as an Affiliate Faculty member at Boise State University?and a contributing member to LEARN Idaho.?Since February 2017, she has been the founding director for Smart Strategies for Successful Living, a community-based website designed to promote quality aging.?As an educator, her focus is to inspire others to live and age well.

Related Resources

• How to Learn from Your Mistakes and Achieve Better Results: CLICK HERE
• Getting Over Past Mistakes: CLICK HERE
• Why Learning from Failure Is Your Key to Success: CLICK HERE
• A Matter of Taking Initiative: CLICK HERE