How Much You Learn-From Theory, From Practice, From Mistakes

How to learn from your mistakes.

The After-Action Review Method:
In 60 seconds, you’ll know the framework to learn from your mistakes (and wins).
The method is used by the U.S. Armed Forces and Fortune 500 companies.
It’s called an After-Action Review (AAR).
Imagine how evolved you would be if you learned from your mistakes.
Most people don’t because it can be uncomfortable.
Good thing you don’t want to be like most people.
AAR is a 4-question framework. Let’s dive in…
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Step 1. What did I intend to accomplish?

Example: Wish John a happy birthday (to show him that he’s important to me).
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Step 2. What happened?

Example: I forgot to wish John a happy birthday.
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Step 3. Why did it happen that way?

Seek the root cause, not the proximate.

Proximate = what immediately caused something to happen.
Root = the real reason something happened.

Example:
• Proximate: It was a crazy day at school; I forgot.
• Root: I didn’t have a reminder.
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Step 4. What will I do next time for a better outcome (or to repeat my success)?

Example: Create a recurring calendar invite for John’s birthday (+ other friends/family/colleagues).

Won’t happen again.
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More After-Action Review tips:
• Do an AAR for any action (win or loss).
• Normalize learning from wins AND losses.
• Complete individually or as a team.
• Focus on the problem, not the person.
• Journal your reflections. I’ve titled my notebook, ‘Learned.’

Tl;DR for After-Action Reviews:

1. What did I intend to accomplish?
2. What happened?
3. Why did it happen that way?
4. What will I do next time for a better outcome (or to repeat my success)?

Learning from mistakes separates the best from the rest.