Unlearning to give capacity for growth
I've got a question for you: what was the last thing you chose to unlearn?
Every day we're bombarded with lots of content about things we should learn to level up. But really, how can we make space for new things when we don't unlearn or let go of old habits and thinking that no longer save us?
We have to create capacity for these new learnings to take place, and indeed there's beauty in taking a step back and reflecting on what you need to unlearn to elevate and accelerate your progress towards the success you want.
Whether you're applying for jobs or creating a pitch for a new client, consider if you've fallen into the same old same old. For example, do you use the same presentation slides you've always used before or the same language to describe a product? How about the old boring blog posts that never get read you're about to hit "Publish" on?
What could you unlearn in those moments and think, "Okay, I'm ready to do something different."
Creativity not only requires us to continue learning, but it also requires us to let go of certainties, old habits, and old thinking to relearn and grow in new ways. Sticking with old habits and thinking that no longer serve you stop you from being creative and from stepping into your full confidence.
When you choose to unlearn something that is hampering you, you make space for something new to grow and for new ideas to flourish.
3 Steps to Unlearning
Recognise
Take some time to reflect and recognise the old habits and thinking that are keeping you stuck. You can also ask the opinion of someone you trust, like your manager, co-worker or a friend. Once you recognise them, simply accept them and move on. There's no benefit in beating yourself up when you realise you're still using old habits and thinking. The sooner you move on, the sooner you will see change.
Break old habits and thinking
If you can learn these old habits and thinking, you have the power to unlearn and change them into ones that will serve you for long term. This will require practice and a lot of patience.
Pick one thing this week you will try to unlearn. Start small. It might be walking a new way to work. Choosing fruit over a chocolate bar. Starting up a conversation with a new co-worker. Pushing yourself to deliver a presentation.
Rinse and repeat
If you make time to continuously recognise and break old habits and thinking, you'll always find ways to progress with your goals and the success you want to see in your life. Once you have tried one thing, pick something else and keep going.
As much as most people would urge you to learn, learn, and learn. Unlearning habits and thinking that no longer serve you will give capacity for new habits and thinking to FLOURISH.
Action Step
Next week as you plot our calendar, review tasks, set goals, prepare for a conversation with a co-worker or a big pitch. Ask yourself three questions
What could I DO differently at work?
How could I BEHAVE or ACT in a new way?
How might I THINK differently to move closer to your desired goals?
Are you making unlearning as much a priority as learning? Share your thoughts by sending me a DM on Instagram!