People who have encountered specific problems before are usually better at dealing with that problem again. For the most part, I think folks assume that this is because they know how to solve the problem, but I don’t actually think that’s correct.
You can know how to solve a problem without ever actually encountering it. You can read the instructions. You can even just figure it out. So why do people who’ve encountered a problem before often do better at it, if it’s not knowledge?
It’s because they don’t panic.
If you’ve solved a problem before, the problem tends to worry you less. You don’t freak out, and remaining calm is one of the best ways to solve any problem. Of course, you can solve a problem a hundred times and if you still panic, you’re more likely to make mistakes than someone who has a tenth of your experience but a calmer demeanor.
Experience with one thing often brings you calm when dealing with that one specific thing. But more people, I think, should just get experience with staying calm. An even temper will help you more than information in most situations.
The Opportunity Machine 