The unique skill in unlearning

Rod Bannister Photo/File

Professionally I work in a few areas which each consist of a fair share of "know-it-alls" - sales, mentoring and consultancy.

The challenge with folk who claim to know everything is that apparently there is nothing left for them to learn, especially when someone else has an idea or facts that contradict their own beliefs.

These people, due to their range of fear- and ego-based reasons, feel compelled to degrade, argue and contradict anyone who does not fit their version of the truth. At no time are they interested in listening, learning or considering other people's input, they're only interested in being right (in their own minds) and object to having an objective and open mind.

However, at the end of the day this is all simply a show, their way of covering up their non-negotiable ignorance.

Unlearning

We have to understand that these people have believed and followed certain things and beliefs for a very long time, investing a large amount of their emotional and psychological energy into this.

So you can imagine the humility and courage it would take for them to admit: "I was wrong." No justifications, simply saying: "I was wrong."

Over my latter years I have learned to let go of many of my lifetime beliefs, the ones I chose to align myself to. The older I get, the more I need to unlearn.

I have come to the realisation that I have had to think differently, be open to new ways of how things work, listen and be objective in areas such as fitness, business, sport ... life in general. Taking the mantle of "know-it-all" at all costs is unhealthy and dis-empowering, like hitting yourself in the head with a blunt object: painful and pointless.

The Final Bit

When you are open to un-learning, you become teachable, open-minded and humble, letting go of your ego and your own fears and acknowledging there is another way to view your beliefs.

Remember, your beliefs about the world and how it operates are just that - your beliefs (no one else's). It is not the absolute truth and gospel that everyone else you encounter has to subscribe to.

Being capable of unlearning is a by-product of being teachable, humble and open-minded. It's also a consequence of understanding "who we are" beyond "what we know".

After all, I am not the message, just the messenger.

Rod Bannister is an Australasian Masters squash champion, fitness expert and owner of Bannister Group, specialising in mentoring, sales and consultancy (BannisterGroup1@gmail.com)