The Cycle of Learning...

Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning, by Amaka Ogbonna.

The Challenge of Myopia and Narrow-Thinking

In our journey through life, we often develop habits and mindsets shaped by our experiences, environment, and education. These can serve us well, but sometimes, they can also lead to limitations—restricting our growth, our understanding, and our ability to adapt to new challenges. One of the most common ways this manifest is through myopia or short-sightedness in both thought and action.

Myopia in this context does not refer to poor eyesight, but to a limited, narrow view of the world and an inability to see beyond immediate concerns or established beliefs. Short-sightedness, incompetence, and shallow-mindedness further stem from this narrow focus, preventing individuals from developing a comprehensive understanding of the community environment and the complexities within it.

These cognitive constraints are often reinforced over time by inertia or a reluctance to challenge one’s existing knowledge. This creates an unhealthy cycle: the more we cling to limited views, the more we become resistant to new information, and the harder it becomes to learn and grow.

The Cycle: Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning

The process of learning is a natural part of our cognitive development. We start as novices, absorbing information and skills that help us navigate the world. However, as we learn, we also accumulate assumptions, biases, and shortcuts that we rely on in decision-making. These shortcuts can feel like competence, but they are often based on incomplete or outdated knowledge. They form the foundation of narrow-mindedness.

At a certain point, this narrow-thinking can create a wall around our ability to adapt. When we fail to question our assumptions, we fall prey to shallow-mindedness—a tendency to skim the surface of complex issues without fully understanding them. The depth of knowledge becomes shallow, and the scope of thinking contracts.

Unlearning becomes essential at this stage. It’s the process of intentionally shedding outdated, incorrect, or irrelevant knowledge that no longer serves us. This is uncomfortable because it involves admitting that what we once believed to be true may no longer be valid or useful. Unlearning requires humility and a willingness to be wrong, to challenge our ingrained patterns of thought.

But unlearning alone is not enough. Once we’ve discarded old paradigms, we must engage in relearning—actively rebuilding our understanding from a broader, more accurate, and more inclusive perspective. Relearning requires us to not only accumulate new information but to integrate it in ways that expand our thinking, allowing us to see connections, patterns, and opportunities that were previously obscured.

Without this cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning, we remain trapped in a state of stagnation. Our incompetence is not a reflection of our ability, but of our refusal to step outside the comfort zone of familiar knowledge. We miss out on the richness of the world and limit our potential for growth, understanding, and productivity.

The Hindrance to Growth, Understanding, and Productivity

The consequences of this narrow view are far-reaching. In the workplace, an individual who has not engaged in relearning may miss out on innovations or fail to adapt to new technological tools, thereby diminishing their productivity. In relationships, shallow thinking can lead to misunderstandings, as we fail to see perspectives different from our own. In personal growth, myopia prevents us from exploring new ideas, cultures, and experiences that broaden our horizons.

Incompetence is often a symptom of a lack of adaptive thinking. When we resist learning new skills or challenging old assumptions, we make ourselves less effective and less capable. We stop evolving and become increasingly irrelevant in a world that thrives on continuous learning and adaptation.

Practical Solutions for Better Outcomes

To break free from this cycle of myopia, short-sightedness, incompetence, and shallow-mindedness, we can implement several practical strategies:

1. Adopt a Growth Mindset: Embrace the belief that your abilities and intelligence are not fixed, but can be developed through effort and learning. This mindset encourages curiosity and persistence in the face of challenges.
2. Practice Active Reflection: Regularly reflect on your assumptions, beliefs, and actions. Ask yourself if they are still valid in the context of your current goals and the world around you. Reflection helps you identify areas where you may need to unlearn old patterns and relearn new ones.
3. Encourage Diverse Perspectives: Surround yourself with people who think differently from you. Engage in discussions and debates, read broadly, and expose yourself to various viewpoints. This helps break down narrow thinking and fosters creativity and innovation.
4. Be Comfortable with Discomfort: Unlearning often involves discomfort because it forces you to let go of long-held beliefs. However, this discomfort is necessary for growth. Cultivate resilience and the ability to embrace ambiguity and uncertainty as part of the learning process.
5. Set Aside Time for Continuous Learning: Make learning a habit. Dedicate regular time to acquiring new knowledge and skills. Use tools like online courses, workshops, books, and podcasts to stay updated. Relearning is an ongoing process that should be integrated into daily life.
6. Cultivate Critical Thinking: Develop the habit of questioning assumptions—both your own and those of others. Learn to analyze information carefully, consider multiple viewpoints, and draw conclusions based on evidence, not just convenience or tradition.
7. Encourage Feedback: Seek feedback from others, especially those who may have more experience or expertise in areas where you feel less confident. Constructive criticism provides invaluable insights into areas for growth and improvement.
8. Be Open to Change: Stay flexible in your approach to problems and solutions. Recognize that the world is constantly evolving, and so should your methods and perspectives. Adaptability is key to overcoming the limitations of short-sightedness.

As Members of our prestigious ESAC

Learning, unlearning, and relearning form a vital cycle that helps us grow, adapt, and become more effective in all areas of life. By acknowledging and addressing myopia, short-sightedness, incompetence, and shallow-mindedness, we open the door to deeper understanding, greater productivity, and lasting success. In a world that demands continuous change, it is not only those who learn who thrive—but those who are willing to challenge their own assumptions, unlearn what no longer serves them, and relearn in pursuit of a better, more informed future.