How to learn from your mistakes, according to Navy SEALs (The AAR Method):
In 60 seconds, you’ll know the framework to learn from your mistakes (and wins).
The method is used by Navy SEALs and Fortune 500 companies.
It’s called an After-Action Review (AAR).
Here’s the breakdown:
The method is used by Navy SEALs and Fortune 500 companies.
It’s called an After-Action Review (AAR).
Here’s the breakdown:
But first, why do it:
Imagine how evolved you would be if you learned from your mistakes.
Most people don’t because it’s simply too painful.
Good thing you don’t want to be like most people.
Imagine how evolved you would be if you learned from your mistakes.
Most people don’t because it’s simply too painful.
Good thing you don’t want to be like most people.
The beauty of an AAR:
Stop beating yourself up.
Switch to a non-emotional discussion of improvement opportunities.
Stop beating yourself up.
Switch to a non-emotional discussion of improvement opportunities.
AAR is a 4-question framework.
Let’s dive in...
Let’s dive in...
1. What did I intend to accomplish?
Example: Wish John a happy birthday (to show him that he’s important to me).
Example: Wish John a happy birthday (to show him that he’s important to me).
2. What happened?
Example: I forgot to wish John a happy birthday.
Example: I forgot to wish John a happy birthday.
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.
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.
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.
Example: Create a recurring calendar invite for John’s birthday (+ other friends/family/colleagues).
Won’t happen again.
Now some 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.'
• 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.
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.
There you have it, the powerful AAR.
There are A LOT more frameworks + mental models where that came from.
If you got value from this, please:
• RT the first Tweet
• Follow me @SystemSunday
I’m so excited to keep learning and growing with you all!
All systems go,
Ben
There are A LOT more frameworks + mental models where that came from.
If you got value from this, please:
• RT the first Tweet
• Follow me @SystemSunday
I’m so excited to keep learning and growing with you all!
All systems go,
Ben
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