Your Learning Journey
Every Tuesday, I have a “Little Chat with Shannon” live stream in the 52 Cues Community. This topic was on my mind recently.
Your Learning Journey
Lately, I've found myself reflecting on the four levels of competence, a topic Dave discussed in one of this year’s podcast episodes. I typically think of this learning model when helping those just starting on a learning journey. But I also think the concept remains relevant as we progress into mastery in our careers and endeavors.
If you're familiar with the book The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield, you might recognize the term "resistance." It’s that internal force that holds you back when you're trying to accomplish something. Community member George Cicci recently posted on Instagram from another of Pressfield’s books, Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way, suggesting that "research can become resistance." It resonated with me. I often find myself so immersed in research that I end up paralyzed by it. Take the simple act of buying a toilet plunger on Amazon; with countless choices all claiming to be THE best toilet plunger, the research leads to indecision. I walk away feeling frustrated, and worse yet—I have no toilet plunger!
There is an educational model that unlocked learning for me. Dave has a great podcast episode about it, if you want to check it out. There are 4 stages of competence which lead to mastery:
Unconsciously Unskilled: This is where you're oblivious to your lack of skill. This phase often brims with enthusiasm and beginner's luck. Think of a kid tossing a ball around the yard with dad…it’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s enjoyable.
Consciously Unskilled: A challenging phase where realization dawns—you become aware of what you don't know. Many give up at this point. In this phase, the kid playing ball with his dad in the backyard joins a baseball team and finds out that there is so much he doesn’t know about the game—and that he can’t bat very well!
Consciously Skilled: At this stage, you're proficient but still require conscious effort. It's comparable to learning to drive, where every move is deliberate. Here, our kid is starting the hit the ball when he’s at the plate—but he’s thinking all the time about form, balance, and technique.
Unconsciously Skilled: Mastery. You're so adept at the skill that it becomes second nature, much like driving a car without actively thinking about every action. At this point, the kid is ready to play on the Varsity team. He’s mastered the game!
In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers, he states that reaching a mastery level takes 10,000 hours of experience. That seems overwhelming, but any time you’re researching, practicing, writing, or learning, it all accumulates towards this milestone. It’s about immersing yourself in the lifestyle of mastery.
“Too often, we forget the troughs of the learning curve. We expect a linear, hurdle-free progression. But reality, layered with our human complexities, doesn’t adhere to this ideal.”
Drawing from personal experience, I once had the task of introducing tech-averse individuals to new technology. It made me reflect on the learning curve. Traditionally visualized as a steady uphill climb, I find this representation misleading. I’ve been lucky enough to teach thousands of students in my higher education career, and I’ve noticed a different pattern. Initially, learners show keen interest and then hit a low, questioning their capabilities. But with persistence, they find their way back, gaining confidence.
Too often, we forget the troughs of the learning curve. We expect a linear, hurdle-free progression. But reality, layered with our human complexities, doesn't adhere to this ideal.
For those currently grappling with The Dip—be it in the learning curve or in the consciously unskilled stage—please, persevere! The journey will shift, and as long as you fuel it with energy and intent, you will evolve, gain expertise, and achieve your desired milestones.
To wrap up, let's remember: life has its share of ups and downs. Challenges don't discriminate. Yet, positive outcomes await those who persist. For all of you out there, know that you're incredibly talented and bound for greatness. And if ever in doubt, remember there are many, including myself and Dave from 52 Cues, who have been in your shoes. We're here, understanding and rooting for you. Keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Until next time, stay inspired, and thank you for sharing this moment with me.
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