“We think of effortless performance as desirable, but it’s really a terrible way to learn.” -Robert Bjork
We all want that big win. That transformation we see on the gram, that place on the podium, that career defining promotion. But getting there the easy way might mean you won’t stay there long.
The learning process is one of struggle. The more we learn about myelination (process in the brain which helps us to transmit information faster) the more we believe it is critical in habit formation. And it looks like myelination occurs more completely when a task is difficult. We learn through struggle.
I think back to stories of Kobe Bryant’s career injuries. He would be forced to practice in a manner that was anathema to his game and therefore challenging his brain in a manner that someone of his caliber would rarely be challenged. And many would argue that it made him a better player. Think about that. One of, if not the best, players in the world could get better by facing an obstacle and being forced to struggle through it. Imagine what normal people like us could achieve.
The easy path is what we envision when we see someone who is a master at any task. We see effortless performance. But that unconscious competence is the outcome, not the process. Learning will require some struggle. Whether that be a new language or a new job or even a new way of eating. Instead of being frustrated that it’s not coming easy, try being grateful that you’re learning. Because learning lasts while entitlement just leads to disappointment.
