Human nature dictates that we naturally look ahead. Looking forward to something that sparks optimism and ambition. It shifts our focus to future ideas. This applies to planning holidays and birthdays, and to work challenges like budgeting and project planning.
But in our rush to embrace the future, we often overlook a crucial step: reflecting on what’s gone before it. The American philosopher John Dewey once said, “We do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience.” This insight underpins a vital truth. To shape the future, we must first understand the past.
This article was first published in the 2025 Best Practice Guide – Raising Standards
To download a full digital copy of the Best Practice Guide, click here