Michael G Halterman’s Post

If one subscribes to the theory that knowledge is an accumulation of information and wisdom is the personal interpretaion of results from using or applying the knowledge, then using that to better understand how to leverage wisdom will be beneficial in change/transition because it is the connection of the personal experience shared that might be more relatable for others. Like for like or discovering the difference. I heard or read recently, “are you seeking information, knowledge, or wisdom?”. I hadn’t realized the distinction until I dug a little deeper into it and realized, in my opinion, it largely depends on needs and wants. Just tell me how to get to the chow hall and I’ll figure out everything else along the way and taste the food myself vs. what did you think about how you got to the chow hall and how was the food? Our stories are powerful because of the wisdom earned through our personal experiences and lessons learned. I understand how hearing the wisdom of others helps me more than just to prepare for my objective, it serves as a primal connection to the other person. And that furthers my desire to learn compassion and empathy. Deep question, Michael G Halterman 👊🏻

What a great question, you got me thinking this morning. I have heard folks state that wisdom has to be hard earned and the struggle is necessary for the self-awareness and growth. Maybe it's because wisdom can be different things to different demographics?

Above all, wisdom requires reflection. This doesn’t require intelligence or any giftedness. But it does require humility, gratitude, and an empty cup. Many ppl will only see in the mirror what they presumptively sought out to see and confirm, and they will forever be no wiser.

As a chaplain and milspouse just going to throw out there that in transition cultivating wisdom seems to look a lot like intentionally wandering and seeking out joy again. Which apparently in our house currently translates to legos, warhammer, and hikes with the dogs. If anyone’s search for wisdom happens to include storage solutions for table top miniatures, I’d be grateful.

The first step is in knowing how to cultivate personal wisdom. When I separated from the USAF at 22, I certainly didn’t give that a thought. My focus was on getting a job. While I’ve been fortunate in the direction of my career, had I taken the time to really it through I may have gone a different path. One of the phases of project management I love is the lessons learned discussion because it’s in that discussion that the team has a chance to dig into what went well, what didn’t go well, and what do we either change or continue doing. For the individual separating from the military, taking the time to do a personal lessons learned, not just from their military experience but their life in general, can reap insights and wisdom that help direct their future path and the decisions made going forward. Cultivating personal wisdom helps the veteran to go beyond the “I need a job” statement to “I need a job that matters to me”.

Michael G Halterman there are a lot of great interpretations of wisdom and knowledge in this thread. However, you asked how cultivating wisdom would help the transition experience for the individual, great question. All contributors for comments are spot on with their remarks but what is not discussed is the wisdom is a combination of knowledge and experience over time reflected upon and applied to new scenarios for more value added. Service members have never transitioned before so I think there is the first hurdle to overcome and break through. Additionally, we are assuming that individual we are talking about has all the correct traits to reflect, grow, and continue to learn. Continued adult learning is a necessity or at minimum, further enrichment and engagement throughout life. What are your thoughts Halty?