THE NON FLUFF EMOTIONAL STUFF™

The Four Levels of Learning: How We Master New Skills

Have you ever learned a new skill, like driving a car or tying your shoelaces, and felt completely lost at first? That’s because learning follows a predictable process—one that takes us from total unawareness to effortless mastery. Understanding these levels of learning can help us stay motivated and push through the challenging stages of growth.

The Four Levels of Learning

1. Unconscious Incompetence - "We Don't Know What We Don't Know"

At this stage, we are unaware of what we don’t know. Think about a toddler who has no idea that tying shoelaces is even a skill they will need to learn. They are in a state of unconscious incompetence, blissfully unaware of the gap in their knowledge.

2. Conscious Incompetence - "We Know We Don't Know"

As we grow, we start to realize what we don’t know. A four-year-old who notices that their parents always tie their shoelaces for them suddenly becomes aware that they don’t yet have this ability. This realization can be frustrating, but it is an important step—awareness is the first step toward growth!

3. Conscious Competence - "We Know How, But It Takes Effort"

After practice and instruction, we begin to develop the skill, but it still requires concentration. Remember when you first learned to tie your shoelaces? You likely had to repeat a rhyme or follow a step-by-step process each time. This stage requires patience and persistence.

4. Unconscious Competence - "We Can Do It Without Thinking"

Eventually, after enough practice, the skill becomes automatic. Now, you tie your shoes without even thinking about it! This is the final stage, where the learned behaviour becomes second nature.

Why Do We Give Up?

The transition from conscious competence to unconscious competence can be tough. Many people quit before reaching mastery because practicing a new skill feels harder than relying on old habits. The key to success is persistence—if you keep going, the effort will eventually pay off.

The Power of Mindfulnesss in Learning

Understanding these learning levels makes us more patient with ourselves and others. It also reminds us that there is always something new to learn—we don’t know what we don’t know! Staying open-minded and embracing the process of learning helps us grow not only in skills but also in our ability to understand and relate to others.

Keep Going- You're Closer Than You Think

Are you currently learning something new? Whether it’s a language, a musical instrument, or a professional skill, don’t get discouraged! Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature.

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Written by Alisa Pettit

It’s never too late for a lane change. Insite Mind is the brainchild of one woman who after a decade spinning in the hamster wheel of the accounting world gave it up to live out her heart work. But it didn’t come without challenge and a little nudge from the universe in the form of a book Dealing with Difficult People. Upon opening it Alisa was surprised to find in black and white text “maybe it’s you”. So after several ego deaths and many personal development books along the way Alisa Pettit found her way to coaching. Now a fully fledged positive mindset coach and personal mastery guru Ali’s work helps people find their way through mindset teachings.

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