You don’t know what you don’t know

Change is inevitable as a working mum.?

For example, when you learn a new skill you can go through a series of different emotions as you navigate your way through the learning process.

When you first start you may not understand what you are getting yourself into. You don’t know what you don’t know, right? You might feel excited at the thought of what could be, or you could feel nervous at what the journey might entail. Then as you discover what you need to learn and how much you don't know about the subject, it can sometimes feel daunting and harder than you first thought. Sometimes you can feel disheartened, and give up thinking you can’t do it, and you’re not cut out to master this new skill. This is completely normal and happens to many of us.?

Raising your awareness of what you understand at each stage of the learning process can help you to keep going, and manage your expectations throughout the journey.?

The conscious competence learning model has 4 stages:

1. Unconscious Incompetence – you don’t know what you don’t know
2. Conscious Incompetence – you know what you don’t know
3. Conscious Competence – you know that you can do it now
4. Unconscious Competence – you can do it without thinking about it

The model highlights two factors that affect your thinking as you learn a new skill: consciousness (awareness) and skill level (competence).

My favourite way of explaining how this model works is by talking about becoming a mum for the first time.?

Before you become a first-time mum you don't know what you don’t know. You’re excited at the thought of your new arrival, you start nesting and getting things ready. It’s an exciting time. You hear lots of stories from friends and family which builds up your perception of what is to come. Then you meet your child for the first time and you soon learn there is a LOT that you don't know. It can feel overwhelming, challenging, and magical all at the same time. It can be a steep learning curve too. After a while, you start to build some confidence and you know what you are capable of. Eventually, it becomes second nature and you can do most of it without thinking.?

And for those of you who have more than one child, the cycle then starts again. You think you know what to expect, but you don’t know what you don't know. Life is just full of surprises as a mum!?

So the next time you want to learn a new skill or face some kind of change, take a moment to remember the conscious competence learning model and consider which stage you might be at. It just might help you take your next step forward.

Are you ready to take control of your career?

I help busy mums build confidence and tame their mum guilt to rediscover passion and purpose in their careers, so they can achieve a fulfilling work-life balance and be positive role models for their children.

I offer flexible and affordable 1:1 coaching packages that can help you fast-track your career goals and find that work-life balance you’ve always dreamed of.?

Book your free discovery call today and let’s have a chat about you and dreams.