Logical thinkers often say they want solid evidence before accepting new learnings.
I can relate to this way of thinking. I used to do that too!
Just recently, I trained a group on how to ‘design a public workshop’. We were talking about the importance of delivering material in a variety of learning styles to match how people learn differently. In a split second, I was hit by a memory that fit perfectly and so I engaged the group by telling a short story.
It was 2008 and my life had taken a sharp turn. I wanted to discover what it was like to get really outside my comfort zone. After months of research, I decided it was a good idea to sign up for an NLP* training course at the NLP Academy in England. I vaguely recall reading the course delivery style was highly experiential.
The first day started no differently.
Upon arrival, we received a binder and some got DVD’s as well. I remember thinking that was a good thing as logically it meant there was evidence for what we were about to learn.
To the point – after four days of trying to match the dialogue of the presenter to the binder, I surrendered. My logical mind was exhausted.
On day five, I decided to jump outside my comfort zone, join the other participants and model the trainer instead of the book. The results were phenomenal!
My ability to move from a state of learning, to doing, to competency happened in an incredibly short amount of time. That’s when the magic of experiential learning started for me!
Looking back, that course was so much fun. And, unlike other courses I’ve attended, the learning experience was memorable!
As trainers, learning experientially can provide new ways of thinking and processing data.
Learning experientially has changed how I live my life and opened a window to a vast world of new and exciting possibilities.
I still use my logical mind to plan and direct myself. As a coach I know how important it is to be present. And now I use NLP processes daily to learn and explore my creative mind where learned experiences are stored. Knowing how to tap into my own unconscious resources whenever I want a better quality experience is empowering!
A big discovery for me lately is the more I practice self-coaching myself using NLP processes, the more holistically balanced I am.
If you’re curious and willing to give experiential learning a go, then I applaud your courage! Take action now. Find a workshop or course you’d like to take – and then do it. If you want to learn more about self-coaching, get in touch with me at Holistic Directions. I am happy to share what I’ve learned works.
Remember to come back and post your comments below.
*NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. “NLP is the practice of understanding how people organise their thinking, feeling, language and behaviour to produce the results they do. NLP provides people with a methodology to model outstanding performances achieved by geniuses and leaders in their field.” ©www.NLPAcademy.com