unLearning

My experiments with unlearning & learning

1) Driving on the right (USA) I wanted to learn how to drive in the USA (right-hand drive). I could not do that if I cannot unlearn to always keep on left when in distress. Being from India (we drive on the left), my subconscious brain is trained to drive on the left. If I am not paying attention, I would start driving on the left, which might cause many problems. Solution: I started from the basics. I learned road signs. History of driving in the USA, I started driving at 10miles and then practiced for 20 miles and then perfected all my turns, yielding and taking a highway ramp before I could drive normally. 2) Learning to eat meat again. I grew up vegetarian and experimented with eating meat in college. Soon I developed my thoughts and emotions against eating meat. I again started eating meat, and it was a challenging process to convince myself. I started again as a beginner. I started understanding perspective and started looking at food as food. I am still unlearning and learning about my food choices. I am still unhappy about the violence associated with eating meat. I am fine with my choices for now, but super soon, I am going to work on my food choices actively. 3) Post-MBA work & Entrepreneurship

I have worked as an entrepreneur for the last 8-9 years. I have developed my way of organizing, working, and measuring success. As I am interning with other companies, I am realizing the importance of Unlearning and ReLearning. There are so many ways of doing the same thing. I would never fit in a culture or team if I were rigid in my processes and recipe to success. I am starting with a beginner's mind again. I have started working in Sales. I am learning to manage a team of four smart undergrads in an elective "MCFE" at Babson. I am listening more and asking for more advice. I am trying to be an old dog with new tricks.

What I have read about Unlearning

- unlearning is uncomfortable. It is certainly difficult to forego the behaviors, mindsets, and practices that have governed our lives for long periods. - A sudden change can throw us off balance. - Unlearning, like learning, is an extensive process. It requires mental agility and patience.