“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn”

Alvin Toffler

Absolutely frothed at this quote -  WHAT. ACCURACY. 

Information is everywhere. And while of course quality education is ESSENTIAL, the skill of letting go of what we know and accepting something new is fundamental for long term success. 

This could be from changing how I pronounce ‘almond’ (used to say al-mond instead of ah-mond), to changing career paths. 

Reasons why I have/had trouble unlearning + relearning

1. I want security, and a strong sense of self. If someone contradicts what I’ve always known, it’s ‘destroying’ a picture I’ve painted for myself. Eg: Adding vegemite after avocado on toast. Adding avocado first is blasphemous.

2.My ego + pride. I’d think ‘well my way is great, why do I have to change?’. I’m hella stubborn at times,  believing that my way is the best way. Also, I don’t want to admit that i’m wrong. 

While there’s the person clutching onto the newspaper before everything went digital. There’s others like this Korean Grandpa who draws for his grandchildren on instagram.

3. I’m lazy. I think ‘whhaaattt! I’ve just relearnt this, you’re telling me there’s more to it? Nah all good, I’ll just stick to what I’ve got’.

________

The world’s changing, and if you aren’t willing to unlearn and relearn, then things will move on without you. A quality trait among successful people, is the fact that they’re CONSTANTLY unlearning and relearning. In fact, they thrive off it. They’re the early adaptors, who can see a changing world before the majority of us can. 

TLDR;

 Learn, unlearn and relearn. We can’t afford not to.