And why un-learning is essential to learn

“The first problem in all of us men and women is not to learn but to unlearn.” Gloria Steinem

There is no learning without un-learning

It’s understandable to hear that you’ve to keep on learning more and more in order to know more. But this is to misunderstand the real nature of true learning.

True learning means making space in your mind for new things. And for that, you need to let go of certain things that you already know. It means – seeing something with a different perspective.

There is danger in holding on to your perspective tightly

“True learning occurs when you can see the same thing with new eyes.” Benjamin Hardy

Sometimes we refuse to see anything other than our own perspective. We “see” the world the way we see it and we don’t want to see it any other way.

As a result, we suffocate.

It’s a painful realization that other human beings see the world with their own perspective – just like we do.

There are dangers to refusing to un-learn

When we believe that we know everything, we set ourselves up for failure. We cannot learn when our cup is full.

We don’t learn when we cling to our precious knowledge. There is no learning without choosing to let go of the old and make space for the new.

Choose to learn.

Exercise learning new things every day. When you see yourself as a student – in every area of your life – you will truly learn.

Learn relentlessly.

Remember when you were a child? When you gave your whole to learn how a toy worked. When you got the hang of it, you went to the next thing that had your attention and you gave the same attention to the new thing.

That is exactly how you should keep on learning every day of your life.

Choose to not let your ego interfere in learning a new thing.

Learning is deliberately looking at something with a different view.

When your mind is full –with previous knowledge – with your perspective – with pride and ego, you do not learn.

Related Link: One Priceless Lesson We Forget About Emptying Our Cup

To your inspirations,

Banchi