Why ‘unlearning’ is an inherent aspect of learning
Why ‘unlearning’ is an inherent aspect of learning
We are found constantly running after knowledge, keen towards learning things that will solve our problems and bring us new opportunities. But what if I tell you something counter-intuitive? Have you heard of unlearning?
Simply defined, unlearning is an act of discarding from your memory thoughts, beliefs, behaviour and mindsets that are no longer true or not backed by facts. These beliefs and behaviours may be driving your actions but as these have become redundant now, it’s time to let go what we believed or learned and open ourselves to a greater potential.
For e.g. I have grown up seeing people approach corporate communications as something very jargonized and formal. Something which is a matter of compliance. However, over the years, things have undergone a drastic, if not disruptive change. We see corporate communications, not as a formality but as an opportunity to empathize and build lasting connections. This approach added so much purpose to the work I do. But did I undergo unlearning? Not consciously, but I did drop some of my core beliefs, mindsets or call it assumptions.
The need
It’s critical to be on the same page with the evolving world. The workplaces have changed, they are now more collaborative than competitive; systems too, are getting changed preferring simplicity over ambiguity. Therefore, keeping up with all this becomes easier with unlearning at our dispersal.
Approaching unlearning
Like I mentioned I went through unlearning unconsciously. I am sure you will have such anecdotes too. But for all those who find it an over-whelming affair, here are few pointers that will help:
Questioning your beliefs, mindsets and behaviours is something that will help you make the process of unlearning innate. This can be done in numerous ways, like researching more on something or discussing with people to get a perspective.
Like every other problem and hurdle, merely acknowledging the mindset or behaviour that needs to be unlearned is enough to set you off.
Delving deeper into how a particular behaviour that you follow, or a belief is affecting you and what’s available to you when you drop it can give you more zeal that you need to unlearn it.
Seeing changing times and a world that is keen to upgrade and reach for better, we always have the urge to learn more. But as Antisthenes once said, “The most useful piece of learning for the uses of life is to unlearn what is untrue.”
Author: Mittal Solanki
Mittal Solanki is a corporate communications professional at a leading Indian Pvt sector Bank, with an experience of 10 years in the domain of financial services. On a Constant Jour-ney of learning & unlearning!
Why ‘unlearning’ is an inherent aspect of learning
Why ‘unlearning’ is an inherent aspect of learning
We are found constantly running after knowledge, keen towards learning things that will solve our problems and bring us new opportunities. But what if I tell you something counter-intuitive? Have you heard of unlearning?
Simply defined, unlearning is an act of discarding from your memory thoughts, beliefs, behaviour and mindsets that are no longer true or not backed by facts. These beliefs and behaviours may be driving your actions but as these have become redundant now, it’s time to let go what we believed or learned and open ourselves to a greater potential.
For e.g. I have grown up seeing people approach corporate communications as something very jargonized and formal. Something which is a matter of compliance. However, over the years, things have undergone a drastic, if not disruptive change. We see corporate communications, not as a formality but as an opportunity to empathize and build lasting connections. This approach added so much purpose to the work I do. But did I undergo unlearning? Not consciously, but I did drop some of my core beliefs, mindsets or call it assumptions.
The need
It’s critical to be on the same page with the evolving world. The workplaces have changed, they are now more collaborative than competitive; systems too, are getting changed preferring simplicity over ambiguity. Therefore, keeping up with all this becomes easier with unlearning at our dispersal.
Approaching unlearning
Like I mentioned I went through unlearning unconsciously. I am sure you will have such anecdotes too. But for all those who find it an over-whelming affair, here are few pointers that will help:
Seeing changing times and a world that is keen to upgrade and reach for better, we always have the urge to learn more. But as Antisthenes once said, “The most useful piece of learning for the uses of life is to unlearn what is untrue.”
Author: Mittal Solanki
Mittal Solanki is a corporate communications professional at a leading Indian Pvt sector Bank, with an experience of 10 years in the domain of financial services. On a Constant Jour-ney of learning & unlearning!
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