In today’s fast-paced world, learning new skills and systems is more crucial than ever, especially for entrepreneurs and business owners striving to stay on top of evolving practices. But here’s the thing—often, we find ourselves trying to memorize steps, commands, and processes rather than actually understanding them. This can lead to overwhelm because technology evolves so quickly. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “How do you remember all of this?” The fact is, I don’t.
As a strategic business coach and consultant, I’ve seen countless clients diligently jotting down notes, creating step-by-step lists to “remember” what to do later. They list instructions like, “Click here, then click there.” But when they revisit their notes, they often feel lost, as if trying to decode a foreign language. Memorization might help in the short term, but it rarely leads to lasting confidence or true proficiency.
Understanding vs. Memorizing: Why It Matters
So, what’s the difference? Memorizing is about retaining information without necessarily grasping the underlying concepts. Understanding, on the other hand, is about connecting the dots, grasping the logic, and being able to adapt. When we understand, we don’t just know what to do; we know why we’re doing it and how each piece fits into the bigger picture.
Imagine learning to drive a car. You don’t memorize every motion involved in driving. Instead, you understand that turning the key starts the engine, pressing the brake slows you down, and steering adjusts your direction. This fundamental understanding lets you respond fluidly to changing road conditions without relying on rote memory.
True Learning Frees You
When my clients start to understand how things work—this applies to everything, not just business systems—something amazing happens. They become empowered. No longer bound to a list of commands, they feel freer, more confident, and ready to navigate unexpected situations. They can explore new options, adapt when something changes, and find solutions to challenges they encounter.
Understanding turns frustration into freedom. Instead of feeling tied to instructions or waiting for someone else to step in, they become active participants in their own growth and mastery.
One common hurdle I often hear is, “I’m not good with technology.” That’s soooo not true! I’ve taught people in their 70s how to create visual assets, edit audio and video files, and post on social media. The only thing standing in the way of those who are struggling is the belief that they can’t do it. I’m here to tell you: ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Really!
Turning Notes into Knowledge
If you’re reading this and recognizing yourself as someone who often takes notes to remember steps, try this: The next time you learn something new, focus on the why behind each action. Be curious. Ask yourself questions like, “What problem is this step solving? What happens if I skip this step? Is there another way to achieve the same result?” By fostering understanding rather than simple memorization, you’re not just collecting information—you’re building a toolkit you can use again and again, adapting it to new situations with ease.
So, as you take on your next project or task, remember that true progress doesn’t come from memorizing every detail. Instead, embrace understanding, and watch as your notes transform from static steps into dynamic knowledge that unlocks your full creative power.
