Learning isn’t about finding a new skill that you’re a natural at.
It’s actually far more about openness to new information — and approaching situations with a desire to understand above all else.
For anyone learning a new skill, these 4 assumptions make it 10x harder — and, if you can learn to avoid these, your learning will accelerate exponentially:
Preconceived Beliefs: “We already know”
It’s that exact moment when the speaker pauses, looks for any sign of recognition, and you hurriedly nod your head even though you’re completely lost.
Admit you don’t know, and ask for clarification.
Straightforward Process: “I’ll figure it out”
Instructions are never the most fun part of learning, but assuming ‘it’s easier than people think’ or ‘I’ll figure it out on my own’ is a recipe for slow learning.
Not everything is simple or straightforward; It’s okay to ask for help.
Simply Absolute: “Rule of Thumb”
It’s easier for our brain to process universal truths that are easy to generalize. This need for simplicity obstructs our understanding.
Not everything can be simplified to the point of being universal, nor is every simplification absolute.
Assumed Pretense: “If this, then that”
This is the one I struggle with the most: creating a context where your assumption is perceivable universal (but the pretense is false. If you catch yourself saying anything along the lines of “Well, if _____ were happening, then wouldn’t ______ be true,” you’re probably guilty of this.
Discard the pretense; it’s not about what could be true, but what is true and why.
