We learn in moments of reflection.
The common misconception about working out is that all the muscle growth happens in the gym. It doesn’t. Work done at the gym stresses the muscle fibers. The actual muscle growth in response to that stress happens when you are sleeping.
Similarly, if we are interested in learning, it doesn’t happen in the moment. We get ideas in the moment. We make new connections in the moment. We get new information in the moment. But translating the ideas, connections, and ideas into lasting learning requires reflection.
Reflection isn’t only sitting and looking out the window. Ever had an “aha” moment in the shower? Or while you were in that weird phase between being asleep and awake? Those are times of reflection.
Reflection happens when we stop the flow of input and intentionally digest what we already have.
If learning is our goal, then creating the mental space and time to reflect is essential.
