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As Jordan Peterson wisely states in his book 12 Rules for Life, “The purpose of our memory is not to remember the past but to prepare us for our future.” This profound idea underscores that our past experiences and learnings are not merely to be archived in our minds. Instead, they are essential tools to shape and guide our future decisions and actions.
Whatever we learn or experience daily is not just about remembering the past. Every piece of information we gather, every emotion we feel, every situation we encounter—these are all contributing factors that influence our future. This is why it’s crucial to build a habit of “Intentional Learning.”
Learning is a part of our life. From the moment we are born, we start absorbing information from our surroundings. This constant intake of knowledge, whether we realize it or not, is what shapes our understanding of the world and influences our actions. However, while unconscious learning is always happening, it is intentional or conscious learning that can lead to significant progress in our learning curve and overall growth in both our careers and personal lives.
The Impact of Unconscious Learning
Unconscious learning occurs without deliberate effort. Our minds constantly listen to everything around us, picking up on subtle cues, habits, and behaviors that we may not even be aware of. For instance, the music we listen to, the conversations we overhear, and even the environments we immerse ourselves in, all contribute to our unconscious learning. This type of learning is powerful because it shapes our instincts, preferences, and responses in ways we often do not fully understand.
However, while unconscious learning is inevitable and valuable, it’s not enough if we aim to achieve substantial progress in our lives. This is where intentional learning comes into play.
The Power of Intentional or Conscious Learning
Intentional learning, on the other hand, is the deliberate effort to acquire knowledge or skills with a specific purpose in mind. When we engage in conscious learning, we actively seek out information, reflect on it, and apply it to real-life situations. This focused approach accelerates our progress and helps us achieve our goals more effectively.
Practicing intentional learning ensures that we are not just passively absorbing information but actively seeking out and applying knowledge that will benefit us. It helps us to:
- Improve Problem-Solving Skills: By consciously learning new techniques and approaches, we enhance our ability to tackle challenges.
- Enhance Career Growth: Targeted learning in areas relevant to our profession leads to career advancement.
- Build Stronger Relationships: Learning communication and empathy techniques improves our interactions with others.
- Boost Creativity: Engaging with diverse subjects and ideas sparks innovative thinking.
- Increase Confidence: Mastery of new skills or knowledge boosts self-assurance.
- Stay Competitive: In a rapidly changing world, continuous learning keeps us relevant.
- Achieve Personal Growth: Learning about ourselves and our passions leads to a more fulfilling life.
- Make Informed Decisions: A solid knowledge base allows for better decision-making.
- Develop Leadership Qualities: Learning leadership skills makes us more effective in guiding others.
- Prepare for the Future: Conscious learning equips us to handle future challenges with greater ease.
Examples of Unconscious vs. Conscious Learning
Here’s a comparison of unconscious and conscious learning in various aspects of life:
| Unconscious Learning | Conscious Learning |
|---|---|
| Picking up habits from family and friends | Deliberately studying habits of successful people |
| Learning a language by being immersed in a foreign country | Taking a structured language course |
| Absorbing social norms from media | Studying cultural differences intentionally |
| Developing taste in music by what’s popular | Learning to play a musical instrument |
| Learning driving skills from observing others | Enrolling in a defensive driving course |
| Adopting beliefs from societal influences | Critically analyzing and choosing personal beliefs |
| Picking up work habits from colleagues | Attending workshops on productivity |
| Mimicking communication styles in social settings | Taking courses on public speaking |
| Developing a cooking style from family recipes | Taking culinary classes to master specific techniques |
| Acquiring financial habits from one’s upbringing | Studying personal finance to create a wealth strategy |
Intentional learning is about taking control of your growth and development. While unconscious learning will always play a role in shaping who we are, it is through conscious effort and purposeful learning that we can truly transform our lives. By dedicating time and energy to intentional learning, we ensure that every moment we invest is leading us toward a brighter, more successful future.
At Upskillshare.com, we provide the tools and resources needed to develop essential skills like critical thinking, value-based decision-making, and soft skills. Start your journey of intentional learning today and watch as you make significant progress in your career and personal life. Remember, learning is not just about the past; it’s about preparing for the future.
How are you practicing Intentional Learning in your day-to-day life? Your starting point is going to be joining Upskillshare.com to be in the learning & practising mode of softskill development and take Digital Diet Course.
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