Your "Common Knowledge" Isn't Working
Too much of anything is good for nothing.
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Common knowledge is often a common mistake.
It's an intriguing thought. You've been there, relying on what everyone "knows."
But here's a twist: What if that very knowledge is the barrier?
Like old friends, your trusted beliefs might not know the way. It's a world where the familiar can be misleading, and the unknown, enlightening.
The journey we're about to embark on is not just about unlearning. It's about relearning.
Every great discovery begins with a question, doesn't it? And ours is no different.
We're challenging the status quo, stepping out of the comfort of 'the known.'
It's a dive into what we assume to be true.
Intrigued? You should be.
We're not just scratching the surface. We're digging deeper, looking for truths hidden beneath layers of outdated facts.
It's an adventure, a quest for knowledge that's not just surface-deep.
This journey, though, is not a solo trip. It's a collective expedition, where insights and discoveries are shared.
You're not just a subscriber of this newsletter here; you're a fellow explorer.
Together, we're mapping uncharted territories of knowledge.
So, take a deep breath. The path ahead is untraveled, and the discoveries, are unseen.
This is not just another article. It's a voyage into the realm of what we don't yet know but are eager to discover.
Ready to challenge your "common knowledge"?
Let's dive in.
Brain Dump and Research
Benjamin Franklin once said,
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
This rings true in our journey beyond common knowledge.
The first step? A brain dump.
It's like opening a window to your mind and letting everything out.
Picture this: You're sitting down, pen in hand, ready to challenge every bit of 'known' information.
It's an unloading process, a mental decluttering. You write down everything you believe to be true about a topic, with no filters attached.
Did you know that the human brain tends to retain only a fraction of what it learns?
This is where research plays a pivotal role.
It's not just about gathering data; it's about seeking truth.
Think of research as a treasure hunt. You're sifting through mountains of information, looking for those nuggets of truth. It's a mix of skepticism and curiosity.
You're questioning every piece of information, no matter how reliable it seems.
This phase is about replacing assumptions with facts. It's not just reading articles or books.
It's about diving into studies, listening to podcasts, and attending webinars.
It's about being an active seeker of knowledge.
But remember, not all that glitters is gold. You'll come across conflicting information.
It's a maze of opinions, theories, and findings. This is where critical thinking comes into play.
You're not just absorbing information; you're analyzing it.
"Research is formalized curiosity."
Zora Neale Hurston beautifully put it. It's poking and prying with a purpose.
In this phase, you're not just learning about the topic. You're learning about learning itself.
This is not a one-time activity. It's a continuous process, an ongoing journey. Every day, there's something new to learn, something old to unlearn.
It's about being open to the possibility that what you know today might change tomorrow.
The brain dump and research phase is about setting the stage for deeper understanding. It's about building a solid foundation of knowledge, brick by brick.
Are you ready to dig deeper and uncover the truths hidden beneath the surface?
Let's keep exploring.
Test the Waters
Now is the time to act, they say, but act on what?
On the new truths unearthed from our brain dump and research. It's time to test the waters, to put theory into practice.
This step is not just important; it's crucial.
Did you know that nearly 70% of what we learn is forgotten within 24 hours?
This highlights the need for application, not just acquisition. It's about transforming knowledge into wisdom.
Testing the waters is like stepping into a river. The current real-world scenarios are ever-changing.
It's unpredictable, challenging, yet exhilarating. Here, your newfound knowledge meets reality.
This phase is not a walk in the park. It's about experimenting, failing, learning, and adapting.
It’s a cycle, a continuous loop of trial and error. It's about taking risks, making mistakes, and growing from them.
Henry Ford wisely put it,
“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”
This stage is about learning from every step, every stumble. It's about resilience in the face of challenges.
In this process, you're not just testing knowledge. You're testing yourself.
How do you react when things don't go as planned?
Can you adapt?
Can you pivot?
This is where the character is built, where true learning happens.
But here's the catch: It's not about getting it right the first time. It's about getting it right eventually.
Each attempt brings you closer to understanding. Each failure is a step towards success.
Testing the waters is about immersing yourself in the application of your knowledge.
It's hands-on, dynamic, and real. It's where theories are validated or invalidated, where concepts are refined.
So, are you ready to take the plunge? To step out of the comfort zone of theory into the vibrant, chaotic world of practice?
This is where knowledge transforms into wisdom, where learning truly comes alive.
Take it Up a Level and Learn More
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
William Butler Yeats poetically expressed. This is the essence of taking your learning up a notch. It's about igniting that fire within to explore further and learn more.
After testing the waters, an astonishing reality surfaces.
A report by Jenkins and Mostafa shows that active learners outperform their peers by 10-15%. It's a clarion call to not just learn but to immerse in learning.
Taking it up a level is not a mere escalation. It's a transformation.
You are no longer a passive consumer of information. You become an active participant in the realm of knowledge.
It's about seeking depth, not just breadth. Dive deep into subjects, exploring their nuances and complexities.
It's a journey from knowing something to understanding it in its entirety.
Engage with experts, join communities, and participate in discussions.
Every interaction is a chance to learn, and to add another layer to your understanding.
It's about building a rich tapestry of knowledge.
This phase is about investing in your intellectual growth and seeking returns in the form of deeper understanding.
But it's not just about gathering more information. It's about refining and questioning your newfound knowledge.
The aim is to develop a well-rounded, critical perspective.
This stage involves challenging your own understanding. It's about looking at things from different angles and considering alternate viewpoints. It's the epitome of intellectual humility.
Incorporate what you learn into your daily life. Apply these insights in your work, your relationships, and your thinking.
It's about making learning a part of your very being.
So, are you ready to stoke the flames of your curiosity? To elevate your learning and embrace the continuous journey of growth?
Let this be the moment you decide to not just learn more but to understand better and deeper.
Wisdom:
Challenging our "common knowledge" is more than just an intellectual exercise.
It's a necessary step in personal and professional growth.
By embracing a cycle of brain dumping, researching, testing, and continuously learning, we position ourselves to be adaptable, informed, and ahead of the curve.
This journey isn't always easy. It requires humility to accept that what we know might be outdated or incomplete.
But the rewards are immense.
Not only do we become more knowledgeable, but we also develop a mindset that is open, curious, and unafraid of change.
So, let's take the first step today and redefine what we consider common knowledge.
The world is waiting.
Thanks for reading! I hope you found this edition of Be 1% Better Every Monday useful.
All the best,
Zohvib
Thank you so much for this breathtaking piece.. at some point I had to bring my jotter write down things to relearn and get clarity on later.
Again,thank you!