In the 1970’s there was a breakthrough in the American education system.

Students for decades had been previously taught in a very uniformed way – almost like factory workers working on an assembly line.[1]

This method just didn’t work for some students.

The prevailing theory was that they weren’t being given enough teaching in their specific learning style.

You know the learning styles – visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.

It’s when someone says Yeah but I’ve got to see it to learn it (visual).

In the gym this is someone who you may have to physically put in the correct position for them to properly learn the technique of an exercise (kinesthetic).

Giving students curriculum in their preferred learning styles became the modus operandi for American schools going forward and continues to this day.

There’s only one problem:

Learning styles are a crock of shit.

They exist, and people have preferred styles of learning.

But when the “learning-style theory” has been put to the test, it doesn’t hold up.

In fact, researchers concluded:

 “The contrast between the enormous popularity of the learning-styles approach within education and the lack of credible evidence for its utility is…striking and disturbing.”

Ouch.  Bogey.

You know what does work when it comes to learning?

Being uncomfortable.  Making mistakes.

Sometimes, the “learning style” is just a preferred way of learning that makes the student most comfortable.

That may feel better in the moment, but ultimately it leads to less discomfort, fewer mistakes, and less learning.

This doesn't mean you have to abandon you're preferred learning style - just don't use it as a crutch.

Be willing to use other methods of learning as tools even if they make you uncomfortable.

You’re at the point in your career where you may be feeling more comfortable about being a trainer.

There’s just one problem:

You still don’t feel like you belong and you’re not making the kind of money that can sustain your career.

That’s ok – it’s all part of the process.

But the next step is seeking out discomfort.

Be willing to make mistakes.

In the Academy you will be exposed to new ideas and new concepts that you may have not been exposed to before.

They will make you uncomfortable in the beginning if you put them into practice.

But that’s where you will grow – through discomfort and making mistakes.

[1] This is chronicled in Adam Grant’s book Hidden Potential – read it