“I think a big part of growth is putting ourselves in situations that challenge us, and a lot of us avoid it because it feels awkward. We don’t want to embarrass ourselves. One of the most incredible people I’ve met while writing the book was a guy called Benny Lewis, who could not learn a foreign language at school. Just struggled mightily. And now he speaks 10. And the big A-ha moment for him was when he realized he wasn’t using the language, he didn’t want to speak it because he didn’t want to sound stupid. And so what Benny does now is he goes to a foreign country, he engages in what he calls “social skydiving”, where he deliberately tries to make 200 mistakes per day, knowing that if he uses the language more, he screws up, and he’s going to learn the language faster”.
Benny, founder of the “Fluent in 3 Months” course, doesn’t teach languages but rather a method for learning them. His success reflects the philosophy that learning is enhanced by abandoning the fear of error. In practice, he advocates using a language immediately, without the pressure of perfection. For example, phrases like “I want go to supermarket” might sound incorrect, but they successfully communicate the message and build confidence. It’s a system that prioritizes being understood and, in turn, develops the confidence needed to eventually reach fluency.
The Importance of Mistakes in Learning New Skills
This method applies to any kind of learning, not just languages but also technical and behavioral skills, such as soft skills. Skills like communication, resilience, and collaboration are often seen as secondary, but Grant emphasizes their importance in his book Hidden Potential. His central thesis asserts that everyone has the potential for great achievements, and by investing in character skills and long-term motivation, anyone can reach their goals.
Grant distinguishes personality from character: personality reflects our instincts and impulses, while character represents the ability to choose our actions based on our values. The key to development, therefore, lies in practicing skills before we feel completely ready, facing challenging situations that force us to grow.
Becoming a “Creature of Discomfort”
Grant suggests several strategies for stepping out of the comfort zone and enhancing learning, such as:
- Adopting new learning methods, even if they aren’t preferred;
- Constantly seeking new challenges as we progress;
- Setting a minimum goal of mistakes for each day or week, allowing failure to become part of the learning process.
This pursuit of discomfort in learning can be understood through the “Learning Zone Theory,” a model developed by psychologist Lev Vygotsky and popularized by educators like Tom Senninger. According to this theory, learning ideally occurs in three zones: the Comfort Zone, the Learning Zone, and the Panic Zone.
- Comfort Zone: Here, we perform familiar tasks that we have mastered. It’s a safe zone, but spending too much time here limits the development of new skills and restricts growth.
- Learning Zone: In this zone, our skills are expanded, and we take controlled risks that force us to grow. The pressure generated is productive, and new challenges gradually become part of our comfort zone.
- Panic Zone: This is where challenges are excessive, leading to stress and a sense of being overwhelmed. Learning is ineffective here, as the fear of failure overshadows the ability to absorb new information.
For Grant, the secret to continuous development lies in staying within the Learning Zone, where challenges are stimulating but not intimidating. Consistent practice, facing mistakes, and accepting discomfort become the foundations for full development. Thus, leaving the comfort zone proves to be essential for accessing our hidden potential, paving the way for true, sustainable growth.
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