The phrase “navel-gazing” has, at least in today’s western culture, come to refer to self-absorbed pursuits. This is ironic because if you really do contemplate your belly-button you’re likely to be reminded that you were once physically connected to another human being. This reminder of our “connectedness” is a far cry from self-absorption. After our…

One way to unlearn is to begin A Notebook of Things I Don’t Know About. Another way is to document “the roads not taken.” According to this article one way to change your behavior is to document actions you didn’t take. For example, if you wish to save money and protect the environment by driving…

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” –Mark Twain The path of unlearning can be steep and, often, the first step is the most difficult. The reason this is so isn’t necessarily because the journey ahead is so arduous (although often it can be), it…

Want to help your company or organization unlearn a little faster? Here’s my advice: Bar the sentence “That’s not the way we do things around here” from ever being uttered again.

“We must unlearn the constellation to see the stars.” –Jack Gilbert from the poem “Tear it Down” Question #23: In 2003, what money-losing product far exceeded its sales projections for the year in spite of the fact that manufacturer made no material upgrades to the product and spent less money on advertising? The answer is…

Why would you ever want to knowingly step into a discomfort zone? For one reason, you’re more likely to make a new, different and more meaningful connection. For instance, did you know that if you’re in the market for a new job you are more likely to learn of a new job from someone outside…

The very first post I ever wrote on this blog explained the story of how I first came to appreciate the importance of unlearning. The piece (No Strings Attached) recounted the story of how I had tied my shoes “bunny ear style” for 37 years before I finally unlearned that habit and relearned how to…

Not knowing how to use a new technology has a long and storied past. The latest video to capture this idea comes compliments of a German TV show. It also shows how hard unlearning can be … For funny videos from the past, check out these two videos:

Here’s one way to unlearn: Begin paying more attention to people who were never taught “what not to do.” Related Posts Think Like a Child Draw Outside the Lines The Benefits of Keeping a Child-Like Mind

One of my favorite authors and thinkers, Daniel Pink, has a wonderful post on New Year’s Resolutions. Instead of making a resolution to do something new this year, Pink suggests making a resolution not to change something. Interestingly, by reversing your thinking and asking a different question, you can get human psychology working for you…