Bret Magpiong
Bret Magpiong

@BretMagpiong

16 Tweets 9 reads Aug 24, 2023
Ever wondered how we go from total incompetence to complete mastery of any skill?
The Four Stages of Competence map our psychological states as we navigate the landscape of learning.
Here's how you go from absolute incompetence to complete mastery:
1. Unconscious Incompetence
At the beginning of our journey, we dwell in the realm of unconscious incompetence.
This is the phase of blissful ignorance, where we're unaware of how little we actually know.
Picture a novice who's yet to grasp the complexity of a new skill.
It's a state of oblivion, where we don't even realize our lack of knowledge.
2. Conscious Incompetence
As we progress, the veil of ignorance is lifted.
We become conscious of our incompetence.
This is the stage of humbling realization - we understand that there's a vast ocean of knowledge and skill we're yet to acquire.
Despite our efforts, we might bumble and fumble through our attempts, feeling the weight of our incompetence.
3. Conscious Competence
With dedicated effort, we slowly start climbing the ladder.
The phase of conscious competence arrives.
We've acquired knowledge and skills, and we're consciously applying them.
However, this isn't seamless yet.
Our actions are thoughtful and calculated, requiring effort and focus.
It's like driving a car while paying close attention to every gear change and turn.
4. Unconscious Competence
Then comes the pinnacle of mastery - unconscious competence.
This is the sweet spot where our actions flow almost naturally.
Mastery feels like second nature.
Think of a seasoned pianist playing complex melodies effortlessly.
It's a state of being "in the zone," where wisdom accompanies skill, making actions seem effortless.
Drawing Inspiration from Pascal Engel:
Philosopher Pascal Engel's take on incompetence adds another layer of insight.
He classifies degrees of stupidity, ranging from the dull-witted to the sophisticated fool.
Overlaying these models reveals a comprehensive picture of our journey toward competence and wisdom.
The Quest for Effortless Mastery:
Reaching the state of unconscious competence, where actions feel effortless, is the ultimate goal.
But how do we get there?
How do we turn actions, especially the dreaded ones, into second nature?
The answer lies in transforming actions into habits, and this journey often begins with creating rituals.
Rituals pave the way for habits, which, in turn, lead to unconscious competence.
Through rituals, actions become routine, etching a path toward mastery.
Remember, the process isn't swift; it's a journey of dedication and growth.
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