UNCONSCIOUS MIND

Most of the time we do things without knowing how we do them. Our behaviour becomes habitual and we make assumptions based on limited observations and feelings. When we reflect on what we have said or feel we draw on the resources of our unconscious mind where our memories and distinctions are stored. Conscious thought is data released from our unconscious mind which has already considered the associations, issues and variables we need to consider. 

It is said that when you can do something really well, you have unconscious competence. For example, you drive a car, you do so largely unconsciously. When you fold your arms or tie your shoelaces it is intuitive, you don’t have to think about it. Try folding your arms the other way round and you will see how slow your conscious mind can be.  How does Roger Federer see a tennis ball coming at him at over 100 mph? His reaction is controlled by his unconscious mind. It takes practice and this eventually produces mastery so he can adjust to playing on different surfaces. When the conditions change the unconscious mind has to retrain its response.

The learning process requires clarity of outcome where you know what you want and when you have it. This requires you to use your senses (see, hear and feel) to process your experience. And the awareness to know when to adjust and adapt your actions to make choices to stay on track. The behaviour can then be duplicated as and when required. It becomes habitual.