Back to exploring the soft skill of being teachable…. 

Learning, Unlearning, Relearning: Part 2

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn. “Alvin Toffler

Why is unlearning is more difficult than learning?

First, learning is not implemented through a google search or a new app.  Unlearning comes through self-awareness and networking with others to gain new insights and knowledge. Unlearning includes the “people factor”

The second reason unlearning is so difficult is that fear rises within when faced with the unknown. When you engage in unlearning you move outside of your comfort zone. 

“If we are growing, we will always be out of our comfort zone” John Maxwell

Third, with unlearning. you are moving away from the security of knowledge that has been helpful to you in the past. 

Fourth, there may be a reluctance to say goodbye to short cuts that have been helpful in the past.

Finally, it may be difficult to even want to unlearn, when you think you are functioning adequately on a daily basis and are getting by. 

Researcher, Dr Chris Robitscheck, has demonstrated that one of the key elements of personal growth is being ready to change. This cycle of learning, unlearning and relearning moves you into a ready stance for change!

THE LEARNING PROCESS REQUIRES SELF AWARENESS:

THE UNLEARNING PROCESS REQUIRES A PASSION FOR SIMPLICITY: Keep it simple: 

1. Pick one thing.

2. Ask yourself, “Am I willing to let it go of this thing?” 

3. Ask yourself (and others) “What is the opposite of the one thing I’ve picked?”.

Confirming the opposite of the thing moves you towards your readiness to relearn.

THE RELEARNING PROCESS REQUIRES FOCUSED EXPLORATION:  Focus on asking 2 key questions:

1. What do I want to change?

2. What do I value that will sustain the change.

We do need to know ourselves but even the most self-aware leader knows that we need others as well.

Collaboration is where the future always is.  Carlos Dominguez.

Resources:

Reach out to me @ https://www.healthyleadership.online/contact  I can help you in your own growth as a leader.

Robitschek C, Ashton MW, Spering CC, Geiger N, Byers D, Schotts GC, Thoen MA. Development and psychometric evaluation of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II. J Couns Psychol. 2012 Apr;59(2):274-87. doi:10.1037/a0027310. Epub 2012 Feb 20. PMID: 22352950.

Seth's Blog: The Speed Of Change 9.2022 @ https://seths.blog/2022/09/the-speed-of-change/

Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association @ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116346/