How You Can Start Unlearning

By Dr. Priya

Imagine this: You’re a bright young professional, brimming with knowledge and skills, feeling on top of your game. But what if I told you that being an “expert” might hold you back? That’s what a young man in Japan learned when he approached a Zen master.

A Lesson in Emptying the Cup

This student arrived with a full head (and ego) — he’d studied all the philosophies, explored every religion, and was convinced he was ready for Zen mastery. The Zen master didn’t lecture him; instead, he poured tea into a cup… and kept pouring until the tea overflowed.

The student, alarmed, exclaimed, “Stop! The cup is full!

The master calmly replied, “Just like this cup, your mind is full. How can I teach you Zen until you empty it?

This isn’t just about Zen. It’s about life, work, and growth. Often, to move forward, we need to let go of what we think we know.

Learning to Unlearn

Let me share a bit about my journey. Early on, as a new doctor fresh out of medical school, I felt like I had it all figured out. Armed with theory and fresh knowledge, I was ready to tackle any situation. But when I stepped into the real world of hospitals and patients, I quickly learned that theory and practice weren’t quite the same. I wasn’t the “expert” I thought I was.

It was a humbling experience. I had to set aside my pride and start with a fresh perspective, learning from every real-life experience. My ego had to be “emptied” to make room for the valuable lessons reality had to teach.

Why Unlearning Matters More Than Ever

As we grow in our careers and lives, it’s easy to cling to what we know, believing it’ll serve us forever. But the world is constantly evolving, and what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow.

Consider the story of Nokia, a company that once dominated the mobile phone industry. When Android came along, revolutionizing the market, Nokia had the chance to embrace this new operating system. But they stuck with what they knew, confident their way was best. Meanwhile, competitors adopted Android and quickly outpaced Nokia with smartphones offering users more. By the time Nokia realized their mistake, they’d lost their standing, outpaced by others willing to “empty their cups” and adapt.

In today’s world, adaptability is key. Being open to unlearning outdated beliefs allows us to make room for the skills and knowledge that keep us moving forward.

Shifting from “Expert” to “Student”

The need for flexibility isn’t limited to companies or industries; it applies to each of us personally. Staying open to new ideas and unlearning what no longer serves us keeps us agile, creative, and open to growthWe may be “experts” in one way, but every day offers new challenges that demand fresh perspectives.

When we empty our cups, we’re not discarding our experiencewe’re making room for more. And in an ever-changing world, that room is essential for staying relevant and resilient.

How You Can Start Unlearning

So, how do you begin “emptying your cup”? Start by embracing discomfort and stepping into unfamiliar situations. Try a new skill, challenge yourself with a project outside your comfort zone, or even converse with people from different backgrounds or industries. Every new perspective can shed light on your assumptions and broaden your understanding.

The beauty of unlearning is that it keeps us flexible, humble, and ready to face whatever comes our way. It’s in these uncomfortable, unfamiliar places that we grow the most.

Embracing the Beginner’s Mind

One of my favourite quotes comes from Zen master Shunryu Suzuki:

“In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind, there are few.”

Let’s keep our minds open, ready to embrace new ideas, unlearn outdated ones, and continually grow.

Empty your cup, and watch how much more you can learn.

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