Do we really learn from our mistakes?

Titanic, Chernobyl, forest fires and incorrectly sized trains, mistakes happen, but the consequences differ. Do we really learn by our mistakes or do we learn more by our successes. This next episode goes into this more.

We often hear that we learn from our mistakes. In my research, and work as a trainer and mentor, the understanding of how the brain processes information is crucial. I’m frequently asked, do we really learn from our mistakes?

Psychologists are divided on this topic. Traditionally, it was believed that mistakes were a primary source of learning, and I’ve always felt that I learn a lot from my own errors. However, newer research suggests people may actually learn more from their successes, as achievement and motivation reinforce positive behaviors.

While I try to learn from both successes and failures, there’s strong reasoning behind the idea that positive outcomes inspire us to repeat and build upon them. Still, history is filled with examples ranging from small missteps to major disasters, where mistakes prompted crucial changes.

Consider the Titanic: advertised as unsinkable, it tragically sank on its maiden voyage in 1912, taking over 1,500 lives. Factors such as inadequate lifeboats, lack of binoculars, and construction flaws contributed to the disaster. In response, regulations changed and now ships must have enough lifeboats for all passengers.

Similarly, in aviation and space travel, disasters like the Challenger and Columbia shuttle explosions revealed patterns of overlooked risks, leading to improved safety protocols.

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster also stemmed from human error and poor decisions, resulting in long-term environmental and health impacts.

There are countless other examples from design flaws in trains to miscommunications causing accidents and typographical errors with major consequences. Some mistakes are unavoidable, but many can be learned from.

Our brains are wired to form shortcuts or templates for decision-making, which sometimes leads to repeating errors. We react strongly to physical pain, but cognitive or behavioural mistakes may be repeated because the consequences are less immediate.

Research shows that our brains process mistakes and successes differently. When failure doesn’t threaten our self-image, we’re more likely to tune in and learn; if the feedback feels negative or threatening, we may tune out. Interestingly, we also tend to notice and remember others’ mistakes more than our own perhaps fuelling gossip and social learning.

Ultimately, learning from mistakes is both personal and situational. Using real-life examples and stories helps make lessons stick, whether in personal growth or organisational development.

We shouldn’t punish ourselves for errors instead, see them as opportunities for growth. Whether we learn more from mistakes or successes may depend on the individual, but reflecting on both is key to continuous improvement and perhaps a less divided society.

Sources:

Britannica, ⁠Challenger disaster

Britannica, Titanic

Positive News – How the brain stops us learning from our mistakes – and what to do about it

Psychological Science, Do we really learn from our mistakes?