One Apple A Day #373
The concept of the “four stages of competence” came out often in my conversations lately.
It all started when I realised that there are things that once learned they lose their power. Only when we unlearn them again, their real power comes back.
I know, it'a bit confusing so let me share an example about abundance.
One of the laws of abundance says that the more you give to the universe the more the universe will give back to you.
If the key to creating more abundance in your life is giving, you may think that what you need to do is just to go out, give and then wait for the universe to flood you with abundance.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that.
If you give because you expect for the universe to give back, it doesn’t work. Your intent is not pure. You’re not giving, you’re asking and seeking a transaction.
So, here we are. Knowing something can get in the way.
In cases like this one, the secret is to learn something and then transcend it.
The four stages of competence allow us to understand the process.
In the beginning, you don’t even know that you don’t know. You are unconsciously incompetent.
Then, something happens in your life that wakes you up, and you realise that you need to learn something. You just shifted to the consciously incompetent state.
You take classes, read books, and you learn what you need. You acquire the knowledge. You become consciously competent. And here’s the problem. You still have to think to use what you know. Not that this is a bad thing in general, but there are cases in which this thinking can get in the way.
It’s only when you get to the next stage, and you become unconsciously competent, that you transcend what you know and you can embed it in your cells. Then it becomes natural to you.
Driving is another excellent example.
Living a fulfilling life is a great example too.
At this moment, I feel like I’ve learned a lot but I’m still thinking a lot, and this is holding me back from thoroughly enjoying what I’ve learned.
It’s time for me to transcend.