Why we don't learn from our mistakes.

Learning from mistakes is universally recognized and accepted as a fundamental ingredient of human cognition and development.

Learning from our mistakes serves as a foundation for us to correct our wrong doings and thereby plays a crucial role in personal growth, decision-making and problem-solving abilities that will make us fashion a better outcome in every dimension of our everyday existence.

It is thus, amongst the most generic advice that is doled out by all, to all.

However, despite the inherent value of learning from errors, we often struggle with this process.

Why ?

Turns out there are a combination of factors involved in this.

I explore each below.

Cognitive biases

One of the primary reasons we find it challenging to learn from mistakes is the presence of cognitive biases. These biases are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, often leading us to perceive and process information in a skewed manner. The confirmation bias, for instance, leads us to give preference to information that confirms our preexisting beliefs, which in turn can hinder the objective analysis of mistakes, preventing us from extracting valuable lessons.

Research by Tversky and Kahneman on cognitive biases, especially the availability heuristic and anchoring, highlights how we rely on mental shortcuts that can interfere with the accurate evaluation of mistakes.

Understanding these biases would do us a world of good if we are planning for developing strategies to mitigate their impact on learning.

Psychological factors

In addition to cognitive biases, psychological factors contribute significantly to the difficulty in learning from mistakes. Fear of failure, for instance, can lead to defensive mechanisms that inhibit constructive self-reflection. Carol Dweck's research on mindset emphasizes the impact of beliefs about intelligence on learning behavior. Individuals with a fixed mindset may perceive mistakes as a reflection of their inherent abilities, hindering their willingness to learn from them.

Furthermore, research by M.E. Seligman on learned helplessness demonstrates how repeated exposure to failure without an apparent escape can lead to a passive acceptance of mistakes rather than an active learning process.

Neurological aspects

Neuroscientific research sheds light on the brain's role in processing and responding to mistakes. A.R. Damasio, in his book "Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain" throws light on how the amygdala, a region associated with emotional responses, can be hyperactive in the face of failure, triggering a fight-or-flight response. This heightened emotional state, in turn, can impede rational thinking and hinder the ability to extract meaningful lessons from mistakes .

Other research also talks about how the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and self-control, plays a critical role. Damage or underdevelopment in this area, as observed in certain neurological conditions, can affect an individual's capacity to reflect on mistakes and adjust behavior accordingly

Social and cultural influences

Beyond individual factors, the social and cultural context in which we exist also contributes to the difficulty in learning from mistakes. Societal expectations and norms may stigmatize failure, creating an environment where admitting mistakes is perceived as a weakness rather than an opportunity for growth. There is research out there that emphasizes the cultural variability in responses to errors, suggesting that cultural norms influence how individuals and groups handle mistakes.

Moreover, the fear of judgment from peers or superiors can discourage individuals from acknowledging and learning from their mistakes. Additionally, cultures (whether at home or schools/colleges, the circles we move in or the organization we work) where mistakes are seen as failures inhibit our ability to learn from our mistakes.

Individual differences in learning from mistakes

Another crucial aspect influencing the difficulty in learning from mistakes is the significant variability in individual cognitive and emotional responses. Research on individual differences in cognitive styles, on the theory of successful intelligence, suggests that people may employ different strategies when confronted with mistakes. Some individuals may adopt a more analytical and reflective approach, while others may rely on intuitive responses.

Moreover, the role of emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized in understanding how individuals navigate challenges and setbacks. Individuals with higher EI may demonstrate greater emotional regulation and self-awareness, enabling them to process mistakes more constructively.

The role of feedback

Finally, effective feedback is instrumental in facilitating learning from mistakes. However, the nature of feedback is critical. Research by Hattie and Timperley highlights the importance of feedback that is specific, timely, and focused on the task rather than the individual. Constructive feedback can provide us with actionable insights, helping them understand the root causes of mistakes and how to avoid them in the future.

The psychological impact of feedback is also significant. Creating a feedback culture that emphasizes growth and improvement rather than judgment can contribute to a positive learning environment. Research by Kluger and DeNisi emphasizes the distinction between feedback that focuses on the person's abilities (person praise) and feedback that emphasizes effort and strategies (process praise). The latter encourages a more adaptive response to mistakes by fostering a growth mindset.

A new dimension to learning from mistakes

There is enough advice out there on 'how' we ought to learn from mistakes, so I am making a conscious effort to desist from adding to the confusion.

I am however piqued and at the same time excited about how technology can help us get better in learning from mistakes.

Machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence systems are today designed to learn and adapt from errors over time and I believe understanding the principles behind these technological advancements can provide valuable insights into how we can improve their own learning processes.

Technology can also be leveraged to provide personalized feedback and learning/support interventions tailored to individual cognitive and emotional profiles.

Last words

Mistakes are natural and we (or those around us) would commit the same, whatever be the nature of work or activity we indulge in.

Before we jump onto the bandwagon of trying to learn from our mistakes or doling out free advice to others on why and how they ought to correct their mistakes, it would be worth the while to reflect a bit on why do we, as individuals, do not learn from our mistakes.

That makes the arduous journey of actually learning from mistakes a little more clear, a little more empathetic and a little more understanding.

All of which we seek and ought to give others.

And yes, why could I not learn from my mistakes in mathematics and sciences at school ?

It was, when I reflect now, a combination of psychological and cultural influences plus my lack of grey cells to grasp these subjects.

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I am Sri Ram.

I Coach, Mentor and Facilitate Workshops to help Organizations, Leaders and Teams become clear and confident communicators, both in the written and verbal formats, by deepening their self-awareness.

I read, I write, I watch movies.

I do all of this happily.

But I am happiest when I walk my dog and so is she.

Win-win games do exist.

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