In this model, we see the process by which individuals grow, whether it be in a particular subject, developing a skill, or in their internal mindset or emotional development. There are four stages to getting to a mastery level in whatever it is you are looking to achieve.

1. The first stage, Unconscious Incompetence, is where you do not know what you do not know. It is where ignorance is bliss and you have blind spots.
2. The second stage, Conscious Incompetence, is where you become aware of what you did not know. “Oh, my. I didn’t know that!” You once were blind and now you see. Blinders are removed and this stage does not feel so good. You may experience a sense of inadequacy, embarrassment, doubts, and insecurity.
3. The third stage, Conscious Competence, is where you apply your new knowledge and do things in an improved manner. You are conscious that you are now “doing it right.” This stage feels good.
4. Lastly, the fourth stage, Unconscious Competence, is where you have been “doing it right” for so long, that you are no longer conscious of “how to do it right,” but it is just how you do it. In this stage it is no longer thought about, but rather done automatically and habitually.

“Once the mind has been stretched, it can never go back, so once you exit stage one and enter into stage two, you will be aware of “doing things right” or “doing things wrong.” You will not be able to go back to not knowing. You will be aware when you are not “doing it right.” In Jim Collins' book Good to Great, he says it takes ten thousand hours to get to mastery, level 4. We achieve mastery through practice. What practice looks like is us faltering between the second and third stages for about ten thousand hours, and that process can be very frustrating. At Volition, we want to make sure you understand that getting better doesn't necessarily mean practicing more. Perfect practice makes perfect, which is why we offer coaching services, providing the platform for focused and timely feedback on your journey.