Learning, Competence, Conscious, Unconscious

***UPDATE*** Please read on, but I have some VERY good updated information in the Learning Curve Infographic post.

Also, I have an eBook, Exposing the Learning Curve, that goes into even MORE detail!  Get it, good!

The 4 Phases of Learning Theory:

Ever wondered why you hardly ever have to think about the things you do very well?  Driving, mowing the lawn, playing baseball, swimming, eating, et cetera.  “Oh well, I’ve done those things since I was a baby so I’m just good at them now.”  Yeah… you’re right.  Oh and you will never have to use the term “muscle memory” again after you look into this information.

Ever wonder why there is that one guy who has a gigantic mouth but can’t deliver when put to the test?  Wait for it….

Did you know that there is a way to describe this path from grasshopper to master?

Introducing… The Four Phases of Learning… AKA:

• The Conscious Competence Ladder
• Conscious Competence Matrix
• Learning Matrix

It is reported that there are four (4) main stages to learning:

1. Unconscious Incompetence (UI) – you’re a total newbie and you don’t even know it!
2. Conscious Incompetence (CI) – you’ve realized you’re a newbie and are trying to de-newbie yourself
3. Conscious Competence (CC) – you still have to give it your all, but you’re good at what you do when you’re “on point”
4. Unconscious Competence (UC) – you don’t think; you do.  You can explain what’s going on when questioned, but you don’t bother with thinking anymore – you flow – exist – own it!

Here’s a visual depiction of this progress to mastery that should help crystallize this ideal:

(Click for Larger Image)

I think the really important thing to take away from this information is as follows: when you find what it is you want to do – know where you are on the graph and take the necessary steps to move on to the next step up.  Knowing is half the battle!