In 2003 I studied my ass off for a fluid dynamics test.
This was one of my favourite subjects. I loved fluid flow, and was really interested in the different equations and formulae we learned to use.
There were late nights, early mornings prepping for the test.
And, I did well.
The thing is, I don’t remember 3/4 of the content now.
But what I do remember are a few principles. The interesting thing about the principles that I do remember is that I was exposed to them again at a later time, in a completely different setting:
Experiential exposure of the same ideas: Freediving/spearfishing, going on boats, watching the airplane wings when I’d fly, shaping surfboards.
Some of the principles from the test stuck, and it wasn’t because I studied harder in those areas.
When we think about working on our “mindset,” we pick up a book, or go to a workshop. But intellectual learning only works to introduce us to the principle. It doesn’t often stick, and leaves us needing more.
Our “mind” is an accumulation of experiences and memories.
This means that for any “mindset work” to stick, we need to take the principles and experience them directly through action.
“I read about this happening…” is usually far less potent than “I tried that, and this happened…”
Action leads experience, and experiences and memories create a deeper learning.
