The Learning Curve

Imagine for a minute a large line that starts at one point then progressively arches upward and then levels off. The curve represents the developmental phases we experience through out our skill acquisition. The path of the curve represents our progress, level of skill, and maturity of thought with in a subject.

Why is this important to you?

Well understanding where you are at on a learning curve gives you a sense of direction, it gives you hope that progressing a little bit further will bring more insights to guide you along your path. In a way, it’s a type of faith in your capability to solve problems, to rely on your ability to move against the resistance of the curve. Escalating higher on the curve unites the unknown along with the pioneering parts of you that fostered your evolution.

Progressing on the learning curve is the fundamental mind set that believes in our ability to evolve. It respects external resources, yet puts responsibility on the use of our internal resources as the driving force up the learning curve.

We see examples of this learning curve all round us, think of the belt system in combat sports, grade / degree levels of education, and is even seen in different spirituality practices. These hierarchies were designed to create a set path up a particular learning curve. In our life we can choose to follow these paths, however the raw truth is that these paths will not cover all the areas of your dynamic life.

Your life has a lot of moving parts. our life represents collective experiences, how could one accomplishment change everything? Life isn’t that simple, however recognizing this truth can bring clarity to recognize your self as a dynamic being that seeks to evolve in many differing stages. These stages are like seasons they come and go they serve their purpose then gradually change. The reality is nothing is permanent; this is both unnerving and liberating at the same time. We can apply this logic of impermanence to both the struggle and the success we experience in life.

Why even try if none of this is permanent?

This is the fundamental thought that emboldens our internal resistance. The fear of putting in effort and not getting anything in return, or “We aren’t promised tomorrow, so I will live for todays pleasures only.” Both are true, however there are many truths we learn how to accept in this lifetime. Part of your elevation on the learning curve is learning how to settle your mind on these truths of life. What I am saying is “you have to come to terms with the truths of life that hold you back from living life at its deepest levels.”

We are not guaranteed anything for our effort.

We are not promised tomorrow.

I’ve struggled with these two thoughts for a large part of my life and yes, they do come back from time to time, it’s all part of being human. The change comes in how you address these perspectives. These thoughts are not hindrances they are messages from your deeper self, calling on you to recognize them. It means we need to take time for some understanding of these uncomfortable parts of our selves.

We have to come back to the roots of “why we are here on this earth?” Take a minute to think of how vast the world is, there has to be a certain place for you in it. Making our way up the learning curve is a way of life, you see life as a whole as a learning curve that you choose to climb every day.

What Learning curve are you choosing to explore?