Have you ever picked up a magazine or book, flipped through it, and thought, “I have no idea what any of this means?”
Later, when searching for a solution, you might pull out that same book, and suddenly, it’s like discovering a hidden treasure.
I have experienced this time and again throughout my life, and it’s an essential lesson for anyone passionate about growth, whether in magic, martial arts, instructional technology, or any other discipline.
How Experience Changes What We See
As we gain experience, we begin to notice things we missed before.
This shift has shown up repeatedly in my life:
- Martial Arts: Techniques that once seemed too complex became second nature after years of practice.
- Instructional Technology: Concepts that were once foreign transformed into valuable tools in my professional toolkit.
- Magic: Rereading classic magic books revealed tricks and insights that had once gone unnoticed.
Recently, while commuting to work, I was listening to Dean Carnegie’s The Magic Detective Podcast, a fascinating resource for magic enthusiasts. Dean recommended revisiting old magic books and journals. His advice struck a chord with me.
As your skill and knowledge grow, materials that once felt overwhelming now offer clarity and inspiration.
A Real-Life Example: From Confusion to Eureka Moments
When I first worked at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, I was often operating well beyond my technical skill level.
To bridge the gap, I subscribed to professional journals on programming languages, such as ASP and database management with SQL.
- At first, these magazines felt like they were written in a foreign language.
- I stacked them in a pile, thinking, “Maybe someday.”
- Sure enough, months later, I would revisit them and find solutions jumping out at me.
Why?
Because during those months, I had grown. I had developed the skills necessary to understand what had once seemed impossible.
The Power of Revisiting Tutorials and Videos
The same principle applies to videos and tutorials:
- In martial arts, I have collected countless instructional videos.
- In magic, I have watched performances that initially baffled me.
Years later, when I revisit the same material, I spot nuances I missed before.
The materials did not change. I changed.
It is a powerful reminder:
Growth transforms your perspective.
Building a Personal Knowledge Library
I encourage you to do two things:
- Read Widely and Deeply
Even if you do not immediately grasp everything, plant those seeds. They will grow with time. - Create a Personal Resource Library
Build a collection of books, videos, articles, and tutorials in areas that interest you. Then:
-
- Schedule time to revisit old materials.
- Keep a notebook or digital record of insights you find.
- Organize your notes so you can easily reference them later.
Lately, I have been reorganizing my Zettelkasten cards and notes. Each time I revisit a topic, it triggers a memory or sparks a new idea.
It’s exciting to rediscover knowledge you didn’t realize you already had.
Why This Matters
You’re not just collecting information; you’re building the future version of yourself. Each time you revisit old resources:
- You spot patterns you missed before.
- You connect dots in new ways.
- You realize how far you have come.
And most importantly:
The materials may look the same, but you have transformed.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t get frustrated if something feels beyond your grasp today.
With time and practice, today’s confusion can become tomorrow’s breakthrough. - Keep reading and exploring your interests.
Build a rich library of resources to pull from as you grow. - Document your journey.
Blogging, note-taking, and personal knowledge management can help you track your growth and revisit key insights when needed.
Conclusion
Growth is not always visible in the moment.
But trust me, when you return to old books, journals, and tutorials, you’ll see just how much you’ve evolved.
Keep reading, keep exploring, and most of all, keep growing.
Your future self will thank you.
Photo: Photo by cottonbro studio and Nataliya Vaitkevich.
