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From Experience to Insight – The First Rhythm of Transformation

Not every experience is leading to growth. So, how do you move from experience to insight and wisdom?

By

Gary Dunahoo

From Experience to Insight – The First Rhythm of Transformation

Apr 9, 2025

We live in a world full of experiences—but not all experiences lead to growth. So what makes the difference?

The journey from experience to insight is one of the most profound rhythms in personal development. It’s the moment when something clicks—not because someone told you, but because you saw it for yourself.

What Is Insight?

Insight is more than just understanding. It’s a sudden clarity that shifts your perspective. Unlike knowledge, which can be accumulated, insight often emerges unexpectedly—through reflection, tension, or lived experience.

It’s the difference between reading about leadership and realizing, in a high-stakes meeting, what kind of leader you want to be.

The Role of Wisdom

Wisdom acts like a filter and amplifier. It allows you to contextualize insight, draw patterns across time, and apply understanding with discernment. If insight is the “aha,” wisdom is the long view—the part that asks, What does this mean for the bigger picture of my life and work?

Experience → Insight → Wisdom

This rhythm is foundational. When we pause to reflect on our experiences—especially those that challenge us—we begin to see what’s beneath the surface. Over time, these insights accumulate and transform into lived wisdom.

Reflection prompt:
What recent experience challenged you? What insight emerged from it—and how has it shaped how you show up today?