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Is it worth having a goal?
In order to change, we need to know where we are going. We often go to areas that are new to us - this is normal. Acquiring knowledge, going through change also causes that the place to which we are going, also changes and the goal that is not always set at the beginning, will be the goal at the end of the road. During this time, it is worth checking, modifying and feeling your “flow” whether the direction is good. No one likes to waste time and have a sense of wasted effort — The Sunk Cost Fallacy. Observing the numerous mentorships in Design Mentorship I know that it is better to have direction than to stick to a rigidly set goal. We change, and our purpose has the right to change, too.
In an interview with accredited mentor Magdalena Fischer-Tobiasz in the episode Design Mentorship, we touched on the topic of “fashionable” goals, which are often not ours. They are external, audible, sound good and are not entirely consistent with us, our strengths and our needs. Well, that's right...
No one will risk saying that if you change your professional role now, you will stay in it until the end. This applies to all of us and we will do it several times in our lives. So if we know that this is what awaits us, why not do it with our head? Our brain avoids effort and likes pleasant things, so it is worth thinking about what serves us. So that we can plan it is worth starting with our predisposition and our strengths. We can do this through psychometric tests, psychotherapy, through coaching sessions - it is worth thinking about where we are at the moment and what will be helpful for us at this moment. To treat our predisposition and process coherently disguises We need to find a common path for them. And here questions arise in my head: do studies, trainings, educational groups take into account our individual approach? If we are in a group, we must honestly say to ourselves: NO. Learning your strengths doesn't stop with taking a test. It is worth understanding what is hidden between the words and in the details of the report and work it out with the Psychotherapist, Coach or Mentor. Moreover - if we want to design our career path, it is worth correcting it throughout the learning process. This is why feedback and cooperation with the other person is so important. We underestimate the time of reflection that we need so that the information obtained can settle in our head.
Learning Curve
Stanisław Mika drew attention to a specific learning process. In its first phase, progress is small or even imperceptible (section A). Many give up at this point, considering the task too complicated. Nevertheless, by overcoming the initial obstacles, we begin to better understand the newly acquired knowledge or skill.
Enthusiasm and Creativity
Over time, our learning rate accelerates, we become more creative (Episode B). We feel the fervor. Learning becomes more fluid, which motivates us to continue improving. This period of enthusiasm is what most of us love about the process of learning new things. Commitment brings significant effects that translate into our satisfaction.
Stagnation Phase
After some time, the rate of acquisition of knowledge begins to decline (section C). Despite our efforts, progress is no longer so visible, and the feeling of fatigue and routine begins to dominate. This can lead to frustration when, despite the efforts, the results are no longer as spectacular as before.
How To Break Stagnation?
This is a critical moment in which many decide to give up further education. Faced with stagnant progress, it is difficult to stay motivated. To overcome this stage, it is necessary to accept the fact that science is not always linear. This may require a change of strategy or broadening of horizons. Often it is the stagnation phase that allows us to solidly consolidate knowledge.
Back to Progress
From the perspective of the whole process, even stagnant phases are important for our development. After a while, we begin to see progress in science again. We are entering a phase of re-growth. Such ups and downs will occur repeatedly, especially as we learn a variety of skills.
In summary, the learning curve is a challenge that each of us faces. We can decide to continue studying in spite of adversity, or give up in the face of the first difficulties.
What about our motivation?
A goal, a direction, a plan that gives us security is often not enough. Mostly we create it in sterile conditions - just like goals for the new year - are created when we have space between the holidays and the new year. What if “life” comes? Current job, family, responsibilities? More than once, it's a reel where it's hard to get motivated when our to-do list doesn't end. It is worth adapting the process of change, disguise to the conditions in which you live. We can't always be available every night, we can't always devote half a weekend to reunions. However, there are a lot of alternatives - be flexible in this.
It is worth considering what motivates us, what conditions to create, what to do when we have a critical situation during the day. I know it's hard sometimes. Let's reduce the effort when motivation is at a low level. However, we must not lower the bar too much, because then our motivation decreases. More than once we forget the “why” we do it and do not see the point. Imposter syndrome eats us, we are in the pit of the learning curve... what then? the end? In my opinion, nothing works better than - the other man. If we work with another person, social proof works in us, but also that we want to feel that we are consistent bias.
In cooperation with, among others, Mentor, behavioral economics and cognitive errors sneak in here, which can serve us in disguise:
- Representativeness Heuristic Error: Believing in the uniqueness of a mentee and seeing in it the potential to achieve exceptional results can stimulate you to engage and prove your abilities.
- Primacy Effect and Recency Effect: The mentor may notice the first positive changes or advances of the mentee and those that occur in the final stages of mentoring. This can act as an incentive to continue the effort.
- Motivational Bias: If the mentor expresses a strong belief in the success of the mentee or focuses on achieving specific goals, this can affect the mentee's motivation to meet those expectations.
- Positive Thinking Bias: The mentor can see the mentee in a positive light and believe in his abilities, which can strengthen the mentee's belief in himself and his potential.
- Selective Attention Effect: Focusing on the positive changes and achievements of the mentee can be motivating because you can see that the effort pays off.
- Confirmation Bias: If the mentor sees the mentee's progress and communicates it to him, the mentee can be motivated to continue working on himself and prove his worth.
Also check out our entry: How to effectively build a mentor-mentee relationship?
If you are planning to change your role, profession or want to learn new skills, it is worth:
- Consider Your Strengths
- Conduct an audit of current competencies and experience
- Find ways to acquire new competencies that match your conditions
- Have a partner, mentor, coach who is able to share your experience, knowledge, mistakes, but also motivate you to act when you need it most.
Thinking about the next certificate - consider the above points:) Change and education is supposed to be a time when you strengthen yourself, and not bend time space, budget and relationships with loved ones.
We also invite you to listen to a conversation with Magdalena Fischer about the challenges of mentoring.
