When Do You Really Know Something?

I once came across this quote:

"Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad."

This may sound like a platitude, but it makes you think about how we apply what we learn.

Today, we're constantly bombarded with information. We scroll through pages, listen to podcasts, and watch videos to stay updated. But how many of us actually turn this flood of information into practical wisdom?

A novice says, “I know that.”

A master says, “Thank you for the reminder”.

The mind is magnificent when it works on our side. The challenge is when it works against us. There's this concept called “the curse of knowledge.” Once you learn something, you act as though you've always known it and everyone knows it. The truth is, you just learned it. And not everybody knows it.

We must avoid the curse of knowledge. Remind ourselves that even though we may have learned something, we might not really know it. Sometimes, we hear something that sounds like common sense, but just because something is common sense doesn't mean it's common practice.

We all know what it takes to lose weight, right? It's about getting exercise and eating right. But why aren't we all in great shape? Because information alone is never enough. Information is just data.

“When do we actually KNOW something?“ One of my mentors asked me that question over and over years ago, and I just kept coming up with all these definitions of what I thought knowing something was until finally, I got frustrated and said, “I don't know! You tell me!

He said, "MJ, you really know something when your behavior has changed." Just because something is common sense or you intellectually understand it doesn't mean that you've truly known it if your behavior hasn't changed. Behavior is the most important thing in our lives because our behavior dictates our future.

The phrase "I know that” is considered dangerous in personal development because it can create a barrier to growth and self-improvement. This belief can lead to stagnation and complacency because of our Confirmation Bias. When you think you already know something, you're more likely to seek information confirming your beliefs and ignore or dismiss anything that contradicts them. This limits your ability to learn and grow because it makes you resistant to feedback, take on challenges, or admit when you need help. It may also affect your relationships as frequently responding with "I know that," comes across as dismissive, and others may feel that you’re not open to dialogue or collaboration.

So, remember, true knowledge is evident when it leads to changed behavior and ultimately being wise in that behavior. Having a head full of knowledge doesn't necessarily mean you can make good decisions in real-life situations.

Wisdom, on the other hand, is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting. It involves understanding nuances, making sound judgments, making ethical decisions that lead to the type of change that is aligned with your beliefs and values.

So, what’s preventing you from being wise in the areas you are struggling with?

"You're struggling to make the change because the old behavior is still meeting a need. Instead of shaming yourself, identify the deeper need and allow it to exist. Then get curious about a new way to meet it." Genny Rumancik

Making changes in life can be quite difficult because our so-called bad habits are often meeting some inner needs that we might not even be aware of consciously or wish to let go of easily.

We are hard on ourselves and feel shame for finding it tough to change habits or behaviors that don’t serve us.

We struggle to change a behavior that has a hidden payoff. It's important to dig into what needs are being met, or what perceived benefits this behavior is offering you.

Could it be about seeking comfort or security or even finding ways to deal with stress better? When we pinpoint these needs first, we may find it simpler or healthier alternatives that meet them in a positive way.

Do you know what is the difference between change and transformation?

Translational change happens at the level of behaviours, skills and capabilities. This involves breaking a habit and conditioning a new behaviour. This is usually the kind of change people want and can see for themselves.

Transformational change: that’s a change in someone’s sense of self, their world view, or how they fundamentally relate to the world around them. This includes deep seated core beliefs. Usually, people fear this kind of change because it shakes their foundations and their sense of the familiar. It’s uncomfortable as it requires you to leave what you know and have an identity shift.

When we work at the level of core beliefs, identity and purpose, magic happens. There is a “self” which is beyond our conditioning, and when you access this, you can create a true breakthrough in your life.

If you keep on doing what you've always done, you will keep getting what you've always gotten.

If you’re ready to get off the “not-so-merry-go-round” and create transformation, I can help you.

Apply here to create a FREE game plan so you can get real transformation:

https://mjacademy.ch/talk-to-me-for-free/

Your Coach, Comrade, and Cheerleader,

Maria José "MJ" Egas Vallejo

Certified High Performance Coach

Certified EQ-i 2.0 & EQ 360 Practitioner (Emotional Intelligence)

Certified Hardiness Resilience Gauge Practitioner