Reflections on the process of learning
Holly Newton | BPsych.Sc
Learning is a journey that often involves a mix of effort and vulnerability. Many people find themselves holding back, giving only about 60% of their effort because they fear what it means to truly put themselves out there. This fear comes from the possibility of failing when they give their all, which can be tough to face. It’s hard to accept that you might not be where you want to be yet and that fear can keep you from growing. Embracing vulnerability and pushing past that fear is essential for real progress. It’s okay to feel scared; what matters is finding the courage to give your best and learn from the experience, no matter the outcome.
Many people hold back on their efforts to avoid the discomfort of appearing inadequate. This self-restriction can create a mental trap, preventing them from fully engaging in their pursuits and stifling their growth. By inhibiting their potential, they miss out on valuable opportunities for learning and self-improvement. It's important to recognise that embracing our true abilities, even if it feels risky, can lead to greater personal development and fulfilment. Breaking free from this mindset opens up a world of possibilities and allows for authentic growth.
Learnt conditions for giving 100% effort:
I found it challenging to fully commit when I had a lower opinion of myself, my body, and my movements, as the fear of appearing inadequate loomed larger when I felt I wasn’t meeting my own standards.
I realized that my lack of progress stemmed from taking less profitable repetitions that perpetuated dysfunction instead of fostering growth.
However, after completing thousands of highly efficient and beneficial repetitions, I developed a deeper sense of being who I want to be. Now more than ever.
My dad often advised me to give 100% effort before any exam, sports trial, competition, or networking opportunity. In response, I would typically default to self-limiting beliefs to shield myself from the disappointment of high expectations. However, I now realise that the true message behind his words is about committing fully—100% effort, not 80% or 60%. This is where real growth occurs, independent of external validation.
This sets me up for an increased capacity for vulnerability and decreases my fear of failure, allowing me to redefine my relationship with setbacks.
My setbacks no longer define me or say something permanent about me. Instead, I define myself by my willingness to put 100% effort into new situations and fail 20% of the time.
I now embrace the vulnerability of fully expressing where I’m at because I trust that I will get to where I want to go - my history reveals that I will do what it takes to move from where I am to where I want to be.
Full expression is key to exponential growth and evolution. To truly progress from where you are to where you want to be, you need to give 100% effort. This means diving into tasks without overthinking and fully expressing the truth of what your body, mind, heart, and soul are capable of in the present moment. It's about being vulnerable enough to show your current abilities, even if they're not perfect. This vulnerability comes from a deep inner confidence that you're committed to doing whatever it takes to reach your goals. By embracing this approach, you open yourself up to rapid improvement and authentic development, allowing your true potential to shine through without the constraints of self-doubt or fear of judgment.