Your New Learning Curve – Developing Pandemic Coping Skills

It occurs that we often speak of certain things with the expectation we all know what we’re talking about. Yet, this may not always be the case; for example, “learning curve”. At its simplest level, this means the more often you perform a task, the higher you can expect your performance to be. Simpler yet, it is your rate of progress in gaining experience or new skills.

The phrase actually comes from statistical analysis of the way we learn, and is “a graphical representation of how an increase in learning comes from greater experience”. (Wikipedia)

Confusion often sets in when others speak of a “steep” or “shallow” learning curve. This causes many to think that, while they can’t exactly define it, they know what it means. (At least what they mean when they use it!)

“A steep learning curve is one in which skill improves quickly, meaning something is easy to learn. However, what most people mean by ‘steep learning curve’ is difficult learning experience. No doubt they are thinking of steep hills and steep mountains which make climbing difficult.” (English Language & Usage)

As reflected in the image, the longer it takes to acquire knowledge or a skill, the steeper the learning curve. And so, setting statistics, semantics (and pedantics) aside, what we’re really saying is – practice makes perfect!

Of course, this takes for granted that one is trying new things and learning, rather than repeating the same mistakes and thinking they’re learning. (Not an uncommon human trait.)

New Situations Create a New Learning Curve

The beauty of learning something new is that the more you practice a task the less energy you will use to perform it. As it relates to the current situation with COVID, you may have noticed that changing your work environment has made your days more challenging; that shifting from office work to working from home has been fairly stressful and surprisingly exhausting.

(Has it really only been a week or so since you had to make all these changes? Feels more like a month(s), doesn’t it?)

You may have found that otherwise familiar tasks became more difficult. You may have noticed that your level of concentration was lower than usual and distractions intruded on your productivity. Some of these may have been external while others were internal, making it difficult to focus as you normally do.

Even the simplest, most familiar tasks may seem daunting. (Yes, having kids and/or pets around instead of work colleagues can make a huge difference in your day!) This can create new levels of anxiety and put real stress on your system; on your body, your mental, your emotional, your spiritual and physical self.

In other words, simply changing your situation has changed your performance, requiring a new learning curve.

Coping with these changes will require that you have realistic expectations of both yourself and others, and to be gentle and kind to yourself (and even a bit more forgiving).

Don’t Become an Observer of Your Life

The situation you find yourself in right now can create a sense of overwhelm. This can lead to a state of disconnect; the feeling that you’re merely observing your life instead of living it; that you’re not yourself.

Unlike the observer you want to be when practicing mindfulness, which is characterized by being present in the moment, struggling with disconnection is unsettling. While it may be a natural reaction by your body to protect itself in time of turmoil, being conscious of what is taking place will help you cope more effectively and will keep you in a more positive state of mind.

This will also enable you to accept the “new normal” as merely normal. Doing so will enable you to handle the changes while living with less anger, frustration, and sadness (or grief); allowing you to be your own best friend.

If you find yourself struggling with this new learning curve and coping with the pandemic, my schedule still has openings for discovery calls. These calls are free and if you feel like you need to connect, get to know each other better, and brainstorm the action plan click here to schedule your call.

Stay safe and be well,
Maria