Learning Phase: Knowing, Understanding, Mastering
Have you ever thought about the process of learning?
Sometimes, we learn something new from any source. Then, we know it. But, it doesn’t mean we understand it. We should validate it first. That’s why knowing something is not enough.
Bruce Lee once said, “Knowing is not enough we must apply. Willing is not enough we must do.”
When we apply a piece of knowledge, we can strengthen our understanding. We can train our myelin or muscle memory. And the result of the training is when we can explain it easily without any distraction or hesitation.
I prefer to ask this question once I learn something, “Do I understand it?”
Let me tell you the process of learning and how to accelerate it. The phase is always the same. Those are: knowing, understanding and mastering.
Let’s begin with phase one.
KNOWING
When we learn something for the first time, we will know it. However, the knowledge is still raw. We don’t know whether it is true or false. In this step, we don’t need to validate it because you can broaden your perspective.
For example, you can learn about business. Business is not only about selling, so you have to learn many aspects of a business. There are bits of knowledge you can learn from any source. Don’t be worry if there is something you don’t understand. Accept it. Learn it piece by piece without interrupting it.
UNDERSTANDING
Now, you have to validate and strengthen your understanding. You can ask any question in this phase. Ask about every piece of the knowledge. If there is a theory, you can ask for it. If there is an example, you can ask for it.
Then, to answer the question, you can find out another theory or example from another source. The answer will support your understanding.
After you find the answer, you have to apply your understanding. Explain it as simply as possible. Mark the part that you still don’t understand.
For example, you still learn about business. You understand it deeper because you have found the exact theory. Then, try to apply it in a small prototype. You can practice making a small product. You can practice selling at a small price. Repeat it again and again, years by years.
MASTERING
In this phase, you have learned more about the knowledge. You have understood all of the processes. You start to jump to mastering the knowledge. You have experienced it in the application, so you can begin to master it. It is the peak phase of your learning journey.
If you reach this phase, I will say congratulation! You have been a master in the knowledge.
You can learn and apply anything. It’s up to you.
You can’t be a master overnight. You have to know it first. Then, understand it by applying it. The last, you can be a knowledge master. The duration depends on your effort in learning.
What phase are you right now?
