Many people believe that learning happens during long, intensive study sessions. Cognitive science suggests otherwise. “The Spacing Effect” was first identified by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, and it demonstrates that we retain information far more effectively when we revisit it over time rather than trying to learn everything in one sitting. Each review strengthens the memory, making it more durable and easier to retrieve in the future. This is why consistent practice almost always outperforms occasional bursts of effort.

The same principle applies to leadership development. We do not become better leaders by attending a single workshop or reading one book. We improve through continuous reflection, repeated application, and deliberate practice over time. Learning is rarely a single event. It is a process of returning, refining, and reinforcing.