Change as an Opportunity: Learning and Unlearning

Perspective of Change in Coaching

From the perspective of a coaching process, change is not perceived as a threat or negative disruption, but as an inherent opportunity for positive transformation. It is a central element of personal and professional development.

However, for meaningful and sustainable change to take place, it is essential to first go through a learning process.

We cannot simply desire to change; we must learn new ways of thinking, feeling or acting that support the desired transformation.

Learning is, therefore, the fundamental vehicle through which change in coaching materializes.

Learning as Internal Modification

Learning itself is an intrinsic change. It is not just a matter of accumulating new information, but of modifying certain pre-existing behaviors, emotions and thought patterns.

When we learn something new in a meaningful way, we alter our habitual responses, our emotional reactions or our interpretations of reality.

This process of internal modification is the foundation upon which the external observable changes sought by the coachee are built.

The Cyclical Phases of Learning to Change

One coaching expert describes learning-based behavior change as a process composed of six cyclical phases.

This means that, once the sixth phase is completed, the cycle can begin again to further refine the behavior or address new learning.

The phases are:

• Create awareness: Realize the need for change or the existence of an ineffective pattern.
• Develop a desire to change: Feeling the internal motivation to modify current behavior.
• Acquire new skills: Learning the skills or knowledge necessary for the new behavior.
• Apply skills: Put into practice what has been learned in real situations.
• Receive feedback: Obtain information on performance when applying new skills.
• Form new habits: Consolidate the new behavior through repetition until it becomes automatic.

The Crucial Importance of Unlearning

However, for this learning cycle to be truly meaningful and lead to profound transformation, a previous phase is often essential: that of unlearning.

This involves becoming aware of and actively abandoning old behaviors, beliefs or habits that will need to be replaced by new ones.

We cannot simply add new skills on top of old dysfunctional patterns; we need to "make space" by letting go of what no longer serves. This act of unlearning can be as challenging as learning itself.

Continuous Learning, Insight and Growth

Each new learning achieved, no matter how small, has the power to change a person's perception of the world.

As we acquire a new skill or understanding, our interpretive lens is modified, allowing us to interpret reality from a new point of view. This perceptual change is the basis for personal growth.

Through co