Education is more than x to y
When was the last time you were in a training program that you loved showing up to?
Something that makes your head spin: not just with the knowledge you are gaining, but with the possibilities for you it brings?
In education, many of the transformations are often a clear path: A to B: career or knowledge: if you learn X, you can do Y.
Most courses offer at least one clear set of goals. That’s how you can decide if it’s for you before you begin.
But look deeper, and you’ll find well-aligned course does so much more.
A training course has the power to unlock subtle shifts in how you value yourself.
It brings you inspiration. New variations of who you can become.
It may even unearth once deeply held, but recently forgotten parts of who you are (even if it’s just ‘student you’ – he/she is worth refinding).
Being a Student Again
A confluence of events brought me into this year’s Techscaler Catalyst course.
I’ve been aware of it for a few years, but when Jennie and I presented for Scottish Regional Edge, we were invited to apply.
“I think it will be of benefit to you”.
The Techscaler Catalyst X to Y shift is help bringing a tech product to market.
Personally, I was wary of the word tech.
I used it a lot in my career as an artist.
As an English coach, I’ve built websites and funnels, and edited films, but I never associated myself as a techie. (Probably like you think of English – it was a need to do, rather than a want to do).
And (also like an English course?), I thought a tech course would be dry, nerdy, detail-obsessed, make me feel wrong/stupid, and/or give me imposter syndrome.
But somewhere along the way, it seems I grew a voice in ‘tech’.
And it feels fabulous.
The Problem with Education
We’ve all experienced training that strips us of our individuality and treats us like sheep.
But we’ve all (I hope) also experienced leaning in ways that make us feel alive with excitement.
It’s worth knowing that we have a negativity bias that protects us.
Despite the glorious moments of learning we have had, after a break, we’ll still believe the worst.
We may avoid a training opportunity because we fear experiencing that feeling: That’s our brains trying to keep us safe.
Are you being objective?
This isn’t an action call to rush off and sign up for the first thing that comes along.
It’s an invitation to remember great moments of past learning, and have an open mind when the right opportunity does occur.
→ Yes, you’ll need to make space and time when there are other, urgent things to get done.
→ Yes, you might feel a little squirmy and vulnerable at times.
→ Yes, there are things that you’ve been avoiding for a while, getting peered at closely.
→ Yes, it will bring moments of frustration, fear, self self-doubt.
But when you feel inspired by every session, when you lean in to hear every word your peers share… and feel held by their support for your mission, you’re in the right place.
A light tickle or a power wash?
If you’d asked me a few weeks ago, I would have blithely said that I’ve not stopped training myself over the last few years.
But I’m realising the Techscaler course is like a power wash in comparison to some of the light dust and polish I’ve been doing.
Of course, there’s a time and a place for both.
One type of training is skill and knowledge maintenance: one is a deep reset.
But speaking from inside deep reset mode… I’m so glad I’m investing in myself this way.
The Trap of Free Information
Our modern society traps us with a very seductive image of learning. That we don’t have to move or try, knowledge is all around us for the taking. It comes to us as webinars or free podcasts. It’s in our WhatsApps, our emails, it’s beckoning us from every social media.
But the problem with all this kind of learning is that it is easy, like baby food. If there is any discomfort or friction, we glide onto the next offer, then the next, our dopamine surging, an itch scratched – but where’s the transformation?
Pauses and reflection are essential parts of the learning process. A good course builds them in.
And discomfort is too.
Does Real Learning Always Feel Uncomfortable?
I’ve tested this. You just can’t remove all discomfort from learning.
In the Blue Noun language holidays, I built a hub that reimagines what a classroom can be. Yes, it’s comfortable (think sofas, coffee, art, cats). It’s a safe and comfortable place where I can support people through the discomfort of progressing in English.
But you’ll still have moments of frustration, tiredness, insecurity, and perhaps overwhelm: they are part of learning. They are side effects of a process that transforms you.
This discomfort should be welcomed as growth (acknowledged, managed: not ignored). It should never be discomfort-for-the-sake-of-it (like learning in an uncomfortable classroom).
And when you feel overwhelmed, then you need to rest and recover.
Imagine just getting the view from the top without the mountain climb: only one way is memorable, thrilling, exhilarating.
When you push yourself, you learn about yourself.
Only one becomes part of your story.
The other is just a pretty view.
Free stuff is flawed
So take this as a reminder to prioritise your learning.
Whatever information you need next, invest in it. Don’t settle for free titbits or a slew of self-serving emails.
Stepping inside a purpose-built course and system can deliver more than you can imagine.
That’s the point.
Compare your usual scattering of snippets of information with dedicated time and space, with experts leading you through a course of transformation.
Which one is worth your time?
Your English Coaches are Catalyst Featured Founders!
And Jennie and I are featured in the Techscaler 5 Female Founders profile too!
I hope you find the route to becoming the next version of yourself soon too.
Obviously, if that requires English, we have some great ways to help.
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