Relearning How to Learn: The 8 Stages of Learning

Remember when you were once a little kid? Now don’t roll your eyes claiming that it was so long ago. But no matter how much focus it takes, try to think back to when you had to learn something new. Something hard. 

Maybe it was learning how to ride a bicycle. Maybe it was typing your shoes. (but let’s be honest, a lot of us still struggle with that one still). Or maybe it was learning a new sport or instrument. 

No matter what pathway of life you have embarked on, you have to go through the proper learning stages. And if you skipped a stage or rushed a stage, you always paid for it later on.

Looking back, I’m sure the majority will agree that it was only when they mastered each stage were they able to actually become a master. 

Now we might be adults now, but the learning stages never end. In fact, they are even more crucial to master. People, relationships, companies, businesses, and so much more is now on the line.

So let’s revisit those early days of learning and take our first steps, one step at a time. 

Awareness (Your Lightbulb Moment)

This is when you acknowledge the desire to learn. It is the moment when you become aware that there’s something that needs to change. It could be sparked by curiosity, out of necessity, or from an external influence. 

However it begins, it comes down to the fact that you recognize that you do not have a set of skills or knowledge, and that awareness is the driving force behind your motivation to grow.

It is actually from the research of psychologist Lev Vygotsky, where he identifies that the awareness of the gap between what you know and what you still have yet to know is essential for growth. 

Real Life Application: 

Imagine that you are unloading the groceries from your car. You have five bags left and you are determined to only make one trip, but you have 10 steps of stairs glooming behind you. 

As you take the 6th step, your legs and arms give out and your groceries start skipping down the stairs, one by one. Eggs shattered, milk spilt, you lose it. You sit down on the stairs and decide that enough is enough. 

Maybe your “Aha!” moment wasn’t as drastic. Whatever it is, the awareness stage begins when you get to the point where you decide that it’s time to make a change. Awareness of your limitations is the spark that lights the fire, but it’s your motivation that fans the flames.

Interest and Motivation (You’re Ready to Roll)

This is when your constant daydreaming turns into reality. You’re not just thinking about change anymore; you’re ready to take the proper steps. It’s when you ask yourself: How badly do I want this?

This involves setting clear goals and finding the resources that will guide you along your journey. Research from psychologists show that it is a learner’s motivation that bridges the gap between their current ability and their potential.

This is when intrinsic motivation starts to take play, as you become more personally invested in the outcome.

Real Life Application: 

After your grocery debacle, you’re hit with a burst of inspiration. Suddenly, the thought of fitting into your old pair of jeans that’s sitting in the back of your closest doesn’t seem so far-fetched! 

You started following fitness influencers on Instagram, Googling different workout plans, and searching “best at home workouts” on Youtube. You’re excited (as you should be). This is how the fire first starts to grow, but now it’s time to nurture it. 

Initial Learning (Laying the Foundation for Change)

Your excitement got you to the door, but now comes the moment of truth- are you ready to do what you have to in order to step through? This is where the real work begins.

Everything is new, and you’re in full-on sponge mode, absorbing every bit of fundamental knowledge you can.

This phase requires a healthy dose of patience with yourself. You’ll be tempted to rush, but you’ll need to take it slow. Hard, right? Don’t worry about mistakes.

Mistakes are not just common, they’re a sign that you’re pushing your limits and trying something new. The important point is to get back up and try again. 

Real Life: 

So you’ve been working out for a couple weeks now. You are now hyper-aware of every rep, trying to remember the difference between a deadlift and a Romanian deadlift (and praying you don’t drop the barbell on your foot).

You’re realizing that cardio isn’t actually all that bad, and that eating healthy does not just mean spinach and kale. 

You’re invested. You feel good, and you are starting to feel the effects (especially when you wince sitting down after leg day). But you realize that there is still more to learn- the form, the nutrition, the discipline.

You’re building the foundation, where it’s your habits and knowledge that will carry you through. So, now what? You keep showing up. 

Welcome to the next stage, where we will rinse, repeat, and refine. 

Practice and Repetition (Rinse, Repeat, Refine)

This is where the grind begins, but the payoff starts to show. Now, it’s all about practice, repetition, and refining what you’ve learned. You’re no longer fumbling around; instead, you’re making subtle adjustments and starting to see some real improvement. 

Mistakes? Still there, but they’re fewer now, and when they happen, you know how to correct them. Think of this as the stage where you're sanding down the rough edges.

At this point, learning becomes a little more structured, a bit more routine, and definitely more rewarding. Each session builds on the last, making the once-clunky movements smoother and more intuitive.

The more you repeat, the more you refine, the closer you get to proficiency.

Real Life:

You’re now a regular at the gym—you’ve got your routine down, and you even recognize the regulars (bonus points if you know their name!).

You’re no longer staring at the dumbbells like they’re alien artifacts. Instead, you’re focusing on form, following your scheduled routine, and pushing yourself a little more each time.

Squats? Less wobbly. Deadlifts? Looking strong. Sure, you might trip here and there, but you’re refining your technique, and it’s starting to pay off. This stage is where you really start leveling up- one sweat session at a time. 

Developing Habit (On Autopilot, aka You’re Getting the Hang of It)

With repetition comes ease, and soon enough, you find yourself cruising through what used to feel like uphill battles. Here, the learning process shifts into the habit stage, where exercising starts to feel less like something you have to do and more like something you get to do. 

You’re now in a rhythm, moving with the current rather than against it. Maybe you don’t even realize it yet. The effort you put in begins to integrate itself in your daily routine. In psychology, this is what they call “unconscious competence.” Fancy, right? 

It means you’ve practiced enough that your brain has built a VIP express lane for this skill—no detours, no traffic, just smooth sailing. And the best part?

It frees up your mental space to focus on new challenges or maybe just to daydream about your next vacation. There’s less second-guessing, fewer missteps, and more automatic execution.

It’s no longer about just showing up—it’s about consistency without overthinking. The effort feels lighter, and you start building real momentum.

Real Life: 

Congratulations! Working out is now part of your regular schedule! You no longer need to hype yourself up every time leg day rolls around—it’s just what you do on Tuesdays.

At first, getting yourself to the gym was an epic struggle. It seemed like your bed developed a magical magnetic pull everytime it was leg day. 

But now? You’re up and at ‘em before the alarm even goes off. You’ve gone from dragging yourself out of bed to making your workouts a non-negotiable part of your routine, like brushing your teeth (or let’s be real, that first cup of coffee).

When you miss a workout, it feels like something’s off, like forgetting your keys or your phone.  

You’ve built a habit that’s become a core part of who you are, and now, you’re riding high on that consistency. But don’t get too comfortable. This is where habit transforms into proficiency. 

Proficiency (Cruise Control Engaged- You’re Riding Solo Now)

You’ve entered the autonomous stage, the sweet spot where proficiency kicks in and you’re cruising along with little to no conscious effort. This is the stage where you’re operating on muscle memory—whether that’s mental or physical.

Now you’re adding some style. You’re improvising, experimenting, and maybe even showing off a little!

In this phase, you can easily adjust to new challenges or variations, and you’re feeling more confident in your ability to succeed. Need to switch things up last minute?

No problem- you’ve got this. You’ve gone from playing scales on a piano to composing your own symphony. 

Real Life: 

So where are we on your fitness journey? Now, you’re a gym aficionado. You used to have to psych yourself up just to get out the door. But now? You walk into the gym like you own the place.

You’ve got your playlist pumping, and you’re breezing through your workout without breaking a sweat (well, metaphorically speaking). 

You’re no longer just checking off exercises from a list. You’re adding your own flair! Maybe, you even help a fellow gym-goer with their form, cause, hey, you’re a fitness sage now. And the best part? It’s all starting to feel second nature. 

But here’s the thing: Cruise control is great for a while, but you didn’t get this far just to coast. This is when you ask yourself, “What’s next?” 

Now is the time to build something extraordinary out of all the hard work you put in.

Mastery (Boss Level Unlocked)

At this stage, you've reached mastery. This isn’t just about knowing what you’re doing; it’s owning it. You’ve gone from being a student to becoming a teacher, from asking questions to giving answers. At this stage, you don’t just perform the skill- you command it. 

You understand the ins and outs so deeply that you can troubleshoot issues, invent new methods, and, let’s be honest, you’re probably the one people turn to for advice now. You’re not just playing the game anymore; you’re rewriting the rules. 

Mastery is about continuous improvement with minimal external guidance. Challenges? They don’t intimidate you; they excite you because they’re just more opportunities to take your skills to the next level.

You’re not just a practitioner- you’re a leader. It’s not just about reaching the peak; it’s about setting new heights and climbing all over again. 

Real Life: 

We’re at the point in your fitness journey where you’re the go-to person at the gym. You’re that person everyone knows- walking in with a quiet confidence.

You’re not just following programs anymore; you’re designing them. You know how to push through plateaus and when to rest for recovery. 

You’ve mastered your fitness game, and it shows in how effortlessly you navigate your routines. You’ve come a long way from “How do I squat without falling over?” to “Let me show you the right way to do that.”

But here’s the kicker: mastery isn’t the end. It’s a new beginning. You’ve conquered this level, but there’s always room to grow and find new ways to challenge yourself. Because that’s what true mastery is all about- not just settling at the top but continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible. 

Embodiment (It’s Now in Your DNA)

Welcome to the final evolution- the stage where your skill isn’t just something you do—it’s part of who you are. Because you’re not just using the skill; you’ve internalized it so deeply that it’s woven into the fabric of your identity.

It’s instinctual, automatic, like muscle memory for the soul. You don’t even think about it anymore- it just is. 

You’re the embodiment of all the work, sweat, and dedication you’ve put in. Your actions flow effortlessly, almost like they’re on autopilot, but with the power and grace of someone who’s put in the hours and earned every bit of their skill. 

Real Life: 

You’re no longer just the gym-goer, the fitness enthusiast, or even the unofficial coach of the friend group. You’re the embodiment of fitness itself.

Working out is as natural to you as breathing, a non-negotiable part of your day that requires no planning or reminders. It’s in your DNA. The gym isn’t just a place you visit; it’s where you feel most at home. 

You know exactly how to listen to your body and how to push yourself to new heights without burning out. You’ve started saying “This is just what I do”.

Your friends and family see it too- they don’t ask if you’re going to work out today, because they already know the answer. It’s as predictable as your first cup of coffee in the morning! 

You’ve developed the skills of discipline, focus, and consistency and apply them in every area of your life now. You’re the person who can turn any environment into a workout space, who packs resistance bands for vacations and thinks of staircases as opportunities, not obstacles.

Now, five bags of groceries are nothing!

Take A Look At How Far You’ve Come

Embodiment doesn’t mean the journey’s over; it means it’s become infinite. It’s about carrying this essence with you, letting it shape your decisions, your mindset, and your overall approach to life. It’s not something you switch on or off- it’s a core part of who you are. 

Learning, much like getting fit, is a journey that starts with a spark of awareness and evolves into a bonfire of mastery. First, you recognize the need for change—like when you catch yourself out of breath after climbing a single flight of stairs (hello, reality check!). 

From there, it’s all about practice, refining your form, and making those early wobbly steps a bit more graceful with each rep. With time and repetition, what was once hard work starts to turn into habit, and soon enough, you’re not thinking about it—it’s just part of your routine.

You become the person who doesn’t just do the thing—you are the thing. In the end, whether it's a workout or a new skill, the goal isn’t just to learn—it’s to live it. Because when you truly learn; you truly live. 

So, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come, and then get ready to keep evolving, because when it’s in your DNA, there’s no end- just endless possibilities.