We’re used to being conditioned that learning is a linear process. For example, we study GCSE, then A Levels, then Degrees, then Masters and so on. However, we often come across people with a high level of ability which has been gained without (or despite) the formal educational process.
And when children learn to ride a bicycle, traditionally they’re put on a bike with stabilisers, and then progress to having the stabilisers removed. And yet children who bypass the stabiliser stage learn to ride a bicycle much more quickly.
And I often wonder why it’s the same with skiing? That there’s a linear process to progressing skiing: snowplough, snowplough/parallel, then parallel. And we accept that as the traditional linear method. We just assume, as that’s what’s put in front of us, then it must be the only way. But why learn one thing, to then have to unlearn it to progress to the next stage, then unlearn that to progress and so on? And yet, only last week I heard from an instructor of a client who’d gone straight to parallel skiing. If that’s the exception, why can’t that be the norm?
I know from my own experience, clients have gone from beginner to intermediate level in 3 days. I’ve had some clients do that in one day! And each time working with a ski instructor. With an open mind, you’re open to learning and absorbing new stuff really quickly.
For example, I’ve modelled snowboarders who are exceptional, and share that model in about 20 minutes without going anywhere near the slopes, and without the traditional falling over that so many people consider necessary to learn snowboarding.
And we can literally ‘jump time’ when we put aside our conditioned thinking of the linear processes of learning.
And I’m not saying traditional approaches don’t work. They get results. What I’m interested in is exceptional results, and from my experience they rarely arise from traditional approaches.