Art of Growth - Pause, Unlearn, Relearn

Life can feel like a never-ending treadmill sometimes—always moving, rarely stopping, and often leaving us gasping for breath. That’s where the magic of pausing comes in. Taking a pause isn’t about slacking off; it’s about stepping back, catching your breath, and figuring out if you’re even running in the right direction. It might be as simple as spending a quiet evening journaling or taking a weekend off from social media. Pausing helps you recalibrate and make sure you’re not just busy, but actually productive and aligned with what truly matters. Think of it as hitting the reset button—something we all need to do from time to time.

Then there’s unlearning, which, let’s be honest, sounds harder than it is. Unlearning is like decluttering your mental attic. Over the years, we pick up habits, beliefs, and “truths” that might have served us once but are now just taking up space. Maybe it’s a skill you learned in school that’s no longer useful, or a mindset that holds you back from trying new things. The key to unlearning is being okay with saying, “Hmm, maybe I’ve outgrown this.” Start small—challenge an old assumption you’ve always taken for granted or try doing something differently than you normally would. It’s liberating to realize you’re not stuck with your old ways!

Of course, unlearning only works if you make room for something new, which is where relearning comes in. Relearning is like updating the software in your brain—it keeps you fresh and relevant. Whether it’s picking up a new skill for work, learning how to cook a new dish, or figuring out how to use the latest app that everyone’s raving about, relearning keeps you adaptable. A great way to start is by embracing curiosity: read a book on a subject you know nothing about or sign up for that online class you’ve been eyeing. You might fumble a bit at first, but that’s part of the fun!

When you put these three together—pausing, unlearning, and relearning—you have a recipe for growth that’s practical and, dare I say, enjoyable. Pause to catch your breath and reflect, unlearn what’s no longer useful, and relearn to keep things fresh. Life’s too short to stay stuck on autopilot, so give yourself permission to stop, reassess, and start anew whenever needed. Who knows? You might just discover a better, brighter path forward—and have a lot more fun along the way!