The Stages of Learning

Recently engaged in a interesting discussion with a customer about the significant challenges people face in training and learning. Similarly, I've had conversations with my team members on this topic. I'd like to take this opportunity to share that interesting discussion, and also my views, with the hope that it might offer a fresh perspective on acquiring new skills.

Change is a constant. And we need to understand that in many change situations, it requires a learning of new things. Some people resist changes because of learning may requires us to go through an uncomfortable process because it needs us to step out of our comfort zone.

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Whether it's learning to play an instrument, mastering a new language, or developing professional expertise, learning how to use a new software, the process of learning is an essential part of personal and professional development. We need to understand we have to go through 4 stages of learning in every new skill we want to pick up, and I use the analogy of learning how to drive to explain:

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The Four Stages of Learning

Stage 1: Unconscious Incompetence

In the first stage, we don’t know what we don't know. For example, when we were young, we don’t know how to drive a car because driving is not required. (I remember that I either take bus, or MRT, or in some lucky situations, my dad drove me)

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Stage 2: Conscious Incompetence

In stage 2, we become aware of our lack of skill or knowledge. Think back to when you need to travel from point A to B, you have access to a car, but realized that you couldn't drive a car. This is when you realise you need to go for driving lessons.

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Stage 3: Conscious Competence

In the third stage, we gain the ability to perform the skill or habit with focused effort. Using the car driving example, you can now drive a car, but it requires your full attention and concentration. Seat belt on, rear view mirror checked, side mirror adjust, check blind spots, signal lights, etc.

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Stage 4: Unconscious Competence

Finally, in the fourth stage, the skill or habit becomes deeply ingrained and automatic. You can drive home without consciously thinking about every action you take. (or perhaps even able to take a phone call?) The skill has become second nature to you.

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Why is it important for us to understand the stages?

In all our conversations with customers, I always emphasize the importance of training. Training is not a one-time session, because let’s face the truth: Many times we walk out of a training lesson, we would have forgotten 70% by end of the day (disclaimer: percentage varies according to individuals)

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Learning has to be continuous. But why continuous learning is difficult? We often find ourselves in a state of comfort, where our routines and habits provide a sense of security. Stepping out of our comfort zones and embrace the new learnings can be daunting and uncomfortable. It requires effort, focus, and resilience to break free from old habits and embrace new ones.

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Understanding the four stages of learning reminds us that it is a gradual process. It takes time to move from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence. We need to be patient with ourselves and celebrate small victories along the way, because each stage brings us closer to mastery and unlocks our true potential.

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Reaching a stage 3 of conscious competence, before it becomes your 2nd nature (stage 4), is particularly effortful. It requires focus and effort to perform the new skill or habit. Knowing it’s going to be hard is a positive sign because it means the learning process is working. When we embark on a journey of learning, we experience discomfort. Don’t view it as a sign of failure. We should interpret it as an indication of progress. Discomfort signifies that we are moving forward and transitioning from one stage to another. Remember, learning is a gradual and should be a continuous process, so be patient, celebrate small victories, and enjoy the journey.

At the same time, when you have reach the mastery stage, do not assume what you have learnt is the best. (eg should you be driving and using phone at same time even if you think you can?) Constantly challenge yourself and move back to stage 3 (Conscious Competence) as and when needed. Stay hungry in the pursuit of knowledge.

To quote a sentence by Zig Ziglar, "If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you."