There’s a well accepted learning theory referred to as the “Four Stages of Competency” as whispered in the orb of psychology. 
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We all have a star we’re shooting for, a personal success mission that’s been lingering. Experts say, if you mosey on through each of these stages (below), you’re on your way towards this quest for success. That is, as long as you’re up for learning the skills to get you there. Roll with me on this one.
Stage 1: Unconscious Incompetence
- This is the stage where you have no inkling of how to do something and here’s the rub, you’re not even aware that you’re incapable. You rebuff any value in learning a new skill in order to achieve success. This my dear readers is the scary stage, because you’re in denial. Until you accept its value and (ahem) your own incompetence, you’re unable to move onto Stage 2.
Stage 2: Conscious Incompetence
- Ahhh, now your eyes are wide open. You recognize that you don’t know how to do something but that it’s relevant to what you’re trying to achieve. You’ve turned a new leaf and are eager to keep falling off the bike until you learn the skill well.
Stage 3: Conscious Competence
- You’re in the deep end of the pool. Not only do you know how to perform this skill, you’re now working on perfecting it. You’re in deep concentration but still taking baby steps to get there. Your game is on.
Stage 4: Unconscious Competence
- You have had so much practice that the skill is now “second nature”; you can practically do it in your sleep. You’re even ready to start teaching others your wisdom!
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I’d say most of us give up somewhere around Stage 2 1/2. This talk is easier said than done. Life is never easy, but isn’t it fun to dig in once in a while and let it rip?
Find your passion, accept your failures and most of all – enjoy it.
An Italian saying I love: “Nella vita – chi non risica – non rosica.” – He who risks nothing, gains nothing.
One life, best to make it a good one.
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A toast to 2012. Salute! [sah – loo – te].
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