How to Embrace Unlearning the Old to make Space for the New

Have you ever been faced with a situation where learning something new was much easier than unlearning the old?

Whether you were eager to explore new methods, embrace fresh ideas, and dive into new experiences, the process may have been challenging as you not only learn the new, but you must also release the old. The reality is learning can be difficult, but what makes it particularly difficult is the fact that sometimes, old knowledge must be discarded. According to research, Unlearning is a critical process in personal and professional development, where individuals intentionally discard outdated knowledge, beliefs, or habits to make way for new, more relevant information and skills. In an ever-changing world, where new technologies, ideas, and social norms constantly emerge, the ability to Unlearn is just as important as the ability to learn. While learning helps us acquire new knowledge, Unlearning allows us to adapt to change by shedding the old and making room for the new.

Whether it’s fear, judgment from others, releasing old habits, starting over, or risk of losing what you’ve already built, the challenges to unlearn can seem endless. One of the primary reasons for this difficulty lies in the mind’s inherent resistance to change. Our brains are wired to form habits and routines as a way of avoiding putting too much effort in our decision making. Once habits and patterns are formed, it is difficult to break away from them as our brain tends to revert to what it knows, even when presented with new information that contradicts or challenges existing beliefs. For instance, imagine yourself at a job where you have been working for many years, and completing tasks using the same processes and suddenly the company implements new policies that require the use of a new process. You are not only faced with having to learn the process, but you also must unlearn the old one. Yes, it sounds daunting! The same goes for having to learn a new language when you move to a new country like I was faced when I first moved to the US, having to learn English after studying and doing business in French my whole life. Our brain is so used to doing things a certain way that it makes it very difficult to even get started, like when you start exercising your muscles by going to the gym when you have been stagnant for so long. Our mind is used to the comfort, the same process, actions and results it has developed over time, making it hard to break from that cycle.

Additionally, Unlearning requires active and conscious effort, which can be mentally exhausting. Learning something new is often more straightforward because it involves adding information to existing knowledge. However, unlearning requires the dismantling of previous knowledge structures, which is a more complex cognitive task. This process demands continuous attention, critical thinking, and the willingness to embrace uncertainty. The mental fatigue associated with these efforts can lead to resistance, as many people prefer to stick with what they already know rather than put in the work to unlearn.

Another factor that contributes to the difficulty of Unlearning is the emotional attachment we often have to our beliefs and habits. Many of the things we need to unlearn are tied to our identities, values, and experiences. For example, if someone has been raised with a certain belief system, abandoning or questioning those beliefs can feel like a betrayal of their upbringing or social circle. This emotional investment creates a barrier to unlearning, as it requires not just shifting the mindset, but also an emotional shift, which can be painful and uncomfortable. My own experience I faced was after moving in the US from Africa, where collectivism is highly valued in the family system and seen as the means to achieve success by putting others needs before your ones, always acting for the greater good rather than looking for your own interest. So, shifting my mindset to an individual being was very difficult. It was challenging to shift my mindset from adopting new beliefs to releasing old ones that no longer apply to my new reality. Embarking on this process requires that I also find my identity, which was deeply tied to my old beliefs. I wanted to hold on to those beliefs and values, but was struggling about losing my identity, resulting in a battle between excitement and sense of loss.

Social reinforcement also plays a critical role in making Unlearning difficult. Our beliefs and behaviors are often reinforced by the people around us, including family, friends, and society at large. When these social circles reinforce certain beliefs, they become more deeply ingrained, making it even harder to challenge or change them. The fear of social rejection or conflict can deter individuals from unlearning outdated or incorrect information, as doing so might isolate them from their community or support networks. I recall worrying about facing judgment and rejection from others as I struggle to let go of old beliefs and values that no longer resonate. This reinforcement is even difficult to break for people who grow up in a matrimonial or patrimonial society where the elder’s or authority figure’s guidance and wants rule over the family or society at large. Often, many fear alienation and avoid trying to adopt new beliefs and values or forging their own identity. This makes Unlearning not only difficult, but unlikely to happen because it is much easier to accept and be part of the circle, than to take any leap of faith to challenge the system.

Furthermore, the fear of the unknown makes Unlearning a difficult process. When we unlearn something, we’re often required to adopt new information or behaviors, which can feel intimidating, uncertain, and risky. This uncertainty can create a fear of loss of control or security, leading people to avoid acting altogether. Consequently, many individuals prefer to hold on to outdated or incorrect knowledge, as it feels safer and more familiar than stepping into the unknown. One area where the difficulty of Unlearning is particularly evident is within established systems, where the openness to any uncertainty can be seen as risky. The fear of losing years of hard work and having to start over makes change more daunting. The common saying, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” reinforces the belief that we shouldn’t alter something that already works well. One example of this type of system is Patrimonial and Matrimonial societies, where the idea to unlearn old beliefs, norms, behaviors and adopting new ones is inconceivable, due to fear of loss of control of power and sense of security. This challenge is especially apparent in the medical field, where introducing changes that require learning new methods and abandoning old ones often meets significant resistance. This resistance may stem from the uncertainty and risks associated with potential loss of life. Additionally, the healthcare system has historically operated under a hierarchical power structure, reinforcing power dynamics that can affect inter-professional communication and care coordination. An example of this change can be seen in the new approach to better care for the patient, through a multidisciplinary approach, where a team of diverse groups of professionals work collaboratively to provide coordinated, patient-centered care. While many may resist adapting these new practices due to the fear of loss of control and many other reasons, some practices have adopted this process, showing that the Unlearning process can possibly be more rewarding than detrimental.

Unlearning is difficult due to a combination of emotional, social, cognitive, and psychological factors, all of which contribute to the resistance we often experience when trying to change established patterns of thought and behavior. However, as we are faced with the process of unlearning, we can adopt some steps that can make the process easier.

Steps to unlearn:

One strategy in Unlearning is recognizing the need for or identifying the reward for it. Often, the beliefs, routines, and methods we hold onto are deeply ingrained, having been acquired over years of socialization, education, or experience, and letting go of them can be very difficult. These ideas can become barriers to new ways of thinking and acting, until we start to understand that the old ways are no longer sufficient and the benefit of adopting the news is far greater. For instance, someone who grew up believing that success is only achieved through traditional career paths might struggle to embrace the opportunities presented by the gig economy or entrepreneurial ventures. By acknowledging that these old beliefs might be limiting, individuals can begin the process of unlearning and open themselves up to alternative perspectives and opportunities.

Another strategy to Unlearning requires a willingness to challenge and question established beliefs and assumptions, including our own. This can be uncomfortable, as it involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone and making intentional efforts to assess our knowledge and beliefs and identify areas where outdated or incorrect information no longer aligns with current realities or willingness to grow. When we start to unlearn, we start to release all the old baggage in our life, which may have hindered our growth for so long. Adopting a mindset of curiosity and openness to unlearning will lead to continuous growth and adaptation to constant changes we may face.

One of the most effective strategies for unlearning is to engage in new experiences and environments that challenge our existing perspectives. Exposure to different cultures, industries, or fields of study can provide fresh insights and alternative ways of thinking that can benefit our growth and reinforce our experiences. For example, a professional who has spent their entire career in a single industry might benefit from attending cross-industry conferences or collaborating with peers from different fields. These experiences can help them see their work through a new lens, identify outdated practices, and adopt more innovative approaches. Through these experiences we are willing to open ourselves to understanding new perspectives.

In conclusion, Unlearning is a vital process for personal and professional growth. It enables us to let go of outdated beliefs and practices, embrace new ways of thinking, and remain adaptable in a rapidly changing world. By recognizing the need to unlearn, identifying its reward, questioning our existing beliefs and assumptions, and seeking out new experiences that broaden our perspectives, we can ensure that we are not only prepared for change but also capable of thriving in it. When we look at Unlearning as not about erasing the past, but about refining our understanding and approach to life, we can make room for continuous improvement and development.

Writing using some online research on the topic, combined with my own experiences.

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