In the realm of personal and professional development, there is an often-unnoticed but highly detrimental thought pattern that can impede our progress: “I know this already.” It’s a notion that tends to creep in whenever we encounter information or ideas that seem familiar.
Unfortunately, this seemingly innocuous belief can sabotage our growth by causing our minds to disengage and shut down, creating a barrier to learning and self-improvement. These four words can put a full stop on any possibility of personal or professional growth.
In this article, we will delve deeper into this counterproductive mindset and explore how embracing a growth-minded approach can lead to continuous learning and personal growth.
The Pitfall of Believing “I Know This Already”
At first glance, feeling confident in our existing knowledge might appear as a sign of competence and self-assuredness. However, it’s crucial to recognize the inherent danger in this mindset. When we convince ourselves that we already possess full knowledge of a topic or concept, we inadvertently close the door to new insights and opportunities for growth. This complacency can be a significant impediment to personal and professional development, as it stifles our curiosity and prevents us from exploring fresh perspectives.
When someone is telling you something and you think to yourself, “Wait! I know this already.” You stop listening altogether and can’t learn anything new from the encounter. This is a dangerous thought that leaves you confined to what you already know, which is never enough to thrive anywhere.
Whether you’re reading a book, attending a seminar, or engaging in a conversation, the moment you catch yourself thinking or saying, “I know this already,” it’s crucial to pause and reflect. Consider whether this belief is stemming from genuine expertise or from a desire to shield yourself from the discomfort of confronting the unknown.
“I Know This Already” in Action
I have been hampered by this thought more times than I can count. Working as a content writer, I was so confident about my skills that I wouldn’t listen to anyone even when they were trying to help me grow professionally. I was in the initial years of my career at this point so it wasn’t as if I had any substantial experience. A person in my situation just comes across as arrogant.
I have been a member of Toastmasters since October 2014. I have done almost everything there is to do in a member’s Toastmasters journey. There came a time when I would take the feedback I was getting for granted. I knew what I was doing so whenever someone tried to tell me something, I thought “I know this already. Tell me something new.”
Eventually, things came to a standstill and I stopped improving. I became more rigid in my ideas instead of being more adaptable. Often, I was judgemental about other people and overall things weren’t looking good.
Embracing a Growth-Minded Question
To counter the “I know this already” mentality, it’s essential to train your mind to adopt a more open and growth-oriented perspective. Instead of hastily dismissing the information or idea at hand, ask yourself a simple yet powerful question: “What can I learn from this?” This shift in thinking serves as a catalyst for exploration and self-discovery, allowing you to break free from the constraints of preconceived notions.
This whole situation is quite ironic because I am an avid reader, a “chain-reader” just picking books one after another. Reading books is all about keeping an open mind and allowing the author to present their ideas and what worked for them. For the most part, I read non-fiction books and there was quite a bit of overlap in what various authors were talking about in their books.
When you read a popular concept in non-fiction that you have read multiple times, you can safely skip ahead to see if the author is coming to a conclusion that may be different or making a different point.
It was in one of these books where I came across the notion of “I know this already”. The author explicitly wrote that a lot of the things in the book will sound familiar and I as a reader will think, “Wait! I know this already.” She asked the reader to put the thought aside while reading this book and also in everyday life.
The Two Types of Learning
As you delve into the “What can I learn from this?” mindset, you’ll soon discover that there are two primary avenues of learning that emerge. First, you may unearth a new angle or perspective on a concept you believed you knew inside out. This fresh perspective can deepen your understanding and provide valuable insights that were previously overlooked. In essence, you realize that there are layers of knowledge waiting to be uncovered, even within the seemingly familiar.
Secondly, and perhaps more commonly, you may come to the realization that while you possess knowledge of a concept intellectually, you aren’t fully executing or implementing it in your life. This recognition can be a humbling experience, as it forces you to acknowledge that there is room for improvement and growth. It underscores the fact that knowing something on an intellectual level is vastly different from consistently applying and mastering it in practice.
The Humility of Continuous Learning
Approaching every encounter with information or ideas, whether old or new, with humility is crucial. Instead of dismissing familiar concepts with a dismissive “I know this already,” view them as opportunities for reinforcement and refinement. Even the most seasoned experts in any field continue to revisit the fundamentals, recognizing that there is always room for growth and improvement.
This humility is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to your commitment to personal growth. It signifies that you are willing to acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers and that there is always something new to discover. It is this humility that allows you to break free from the limitations of the “I know this already” mentality and open yourself to a world of possibilities.
When I was in business school, I often found myself thinking I knew some of the concepts that were taught. I am glad that I could ignore these thoughts and pay attention to the lesson. When I was in marketing classes, I was familiar with the concepts so I had to remind myself constantly to keep an open mind and that I was there to learn.
I have been practising ignoring this thought whenever it pops up and I am definitely enjoying my time more. There is a renewed vigour in learning things and it feels like I have had a fresh start. I realised what it means to have an open mind. Now every conversation is once again an opportunity to grow and move forward.
Training Your Brain for Growth
By consistently asking yourself, “What can I learn from this?” you are actively training your brain to remain open to new possibilities and perspectives. This mental shift fosters a growth-oriented mindset, where every encounter, whether with information, experiences, or individuals, becomes a chance to expand your knowledge and skills.
Over time, this approach not only enhances your personal development but also fuels your capacity for innovation and creativity. You become more adaptable, open-minded, and receptive to change, all of which are essential qualities in a rapidly evolving world.
In your life too, you are going to come across conversations where you will think to yourself, “Wait! I know this already” and tune out of the conversation. Particularly in a professional setting, you will find that people are talking about the same things over and over. I urge you, when you think you know something already, put that thought aside and listen carefully. I promise you that in one of such encounters, you will definitely learn something new and grow as a person.
Conclusion
In the journey of self-improvement and personal growth, the “I know this already” mentality can be a significant roadblock. However, by adopting a growth-minded question like “What can I learn from this?” and embracing the humility of continuous learning, you can unlock your full potential. Remember that knowledge is not static; it evolves, and so should your understanding and application of it.
So, the next time you encounter a familiar concept, resist the urge to dismiss it with a closed mind. Instead, let curiosity guide you towards new opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By doing so, you will embark on a path of continuous learning and personal growth that will enrich every facet of your life.