If you want to achieve spirituality in your career, you’ll need to learn how to differentiate learning from growing. Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, while growing occurs when you successfully apply the things you have learned. However, not being able to differentiate between the two is one of the most common causes of failure. Find out more about how you can differentiate learning from growing by reading this article from Forbes.
To See Improvement, Differentiate Learning From Growing
When we think about professional and personal development, we usually think about taking courses, reading self-help books, attending professional training, having a mentor, etc. These often come into play as we realize that professional and personal development lead us to self-actualization, the highest point in Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Once we set our mind on a goal, we do everything in our power to get as much information on the field we want to pursue. However, many people get stuck in this process of learning and never take the next step. Frequently, this happens when an individual cannot differentiate learning from growing to the point of self-awareness. While the gathering of information is an important part of any career — you cannot do what you do not know — there needs to be more.
Why Is It Important to Learn How to Differentiate Learning From Growing?
The inability to differentiate learning from growing stems from our educational system. After all, children go to school every day for almost two decades without knowing the purpose of their education. Additionally, children will finish their primary and secondary education without retaining the majority of the lessons they learned in class. As a result, their approach towards their careers becomes similar.
For example, there are people who go to countless lectures and seminars on finance but never make the decision to apply for a position in the industry. When doing this, these people might rationalize this by saying they’re not ready or that they just want to learn as much as they can. If this sounds like you, it’s time to revaluate.
If you truly want to improve your craft, then you should start applying the lessons you have learned throughout your study. It’s important to learn how to differentiate learning from growing because many individuals mistake their accumulation of knowledge as a sign of growth. However, self-actualization only actually occurs once an individual learns how they can maximize their knowledge. Remember, without action, there will be no self-actualization.
Growth Happens When You Learn to Apply the Skills You’ve Mastered
Once you learn how to differentiate learning from growing, you’ll start to see huge progress. Remember, learning and application are equally important processes to achieve self-actualization. One cannot be achieved without the other. Also, learn to go at a comfortable pace. Set your goals, devise a plan, start studying, and then apply the lessons you’ve learned. Repeat this again and again until you finally achieve your ultimate career goals.
Want to know more about how to differentiate learning from growing? Watch this video by TEDxTalks featuring Bosse Larsson to understand the importance of having a growth mindset.
Did reading this article help you differentiate learning from growing? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
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