Getting to Conscious Unconscious Competence is a Life Changer for Health
Whenever I hear the term “Conscious Unconscious Competence” I have to pause and think about it.
And once you understand the term … you realize in the journey toward better health, the concept of "conscious unconscious competence" plays a pivotal role.
This term, which stems from learning theory, describes the final stage in the process of acquiring new skills or knowledge. It refers to a state where the actions we take become so deeply ingrained that they are performed automatically, without conscious thought.
In the context of health, this can be a powerful tool for long-term well-being.
To fully appreciate the beauty of conscious unconscious competence, it's essential to understand the stages that precede it. The learning process generally follows four stages:
Unconscious Incompetence: At this stage, you are unaware of your lack of knowledge or skills. You don’t know what you don’t know.
Conscious Incompetence: Here, you become aware of what you need to learn. This stage can be challenging as you recognize the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
Conscious Competence: This is where you actively work on developing the skill. You’re aware of what you’re doing, and it requires effort and focus.
Conscious Unconscious Competence: Finally, the skill or knowledge becomes second nature. You perform it effortlessly, without conscious thought.
In the context of health, reaching this final stage means that the actions you take to maintain or improve your well-being have become an integral part of your daily routine.
There's a beauty that comes along with being aware of all the actions we can take to be healthier.
Health is not just about the big, dramatic changes; it’s often about the small, consistent actions we take every day. Developing conscious unconscious competence in these actions allows them to become effortless, freeing up mental energy and reducing decision fatigue.
Take, for example, the habit of drinking enough water throughout the day. At first, you may need reminders or to track your intake, but over time, as you become more aware of how much better you feel when hydrated, drinking water regularly becomes something you do without thinking. It’s not a chore; it’s just part of your life.
The same can be said for other health-promoting habits like choosing whole foods over processed ones, incorporating regular physical activity, or practicing mindfulness.
Initially, these may require a conscious effort, but as you embrace their benefits and integrate them into your routine, they become automatic. Just a part of your regular routine.
This is when you've developed conscious unconscious competence.
The journey from conscious competence to unconscious competence in health is often a gradual process.
It involves education, consistent practice, and a willingness to embrace change. But the rewards are profound.
When you reach the stage where you are unconsciously competent in actions that optimize your health, you’ve not only transformed your routine but also your identity.
You become someone who naturally makes choices that support your well-being, without having to constantly think about it.
This is where true, sustainable health lives—not in fleeting diets or short-term goals, but in the daily actions that accumulate over time.
Moreover, developing unconscious competence in health actions can create a ripple effect. As these habits become ingrained, they often lead to other positive behaviors.
For example, regularly exercising might naturally lead you to choose healthier foods or to prioritize sleep. Each action reinforces the others, creating a holistic approach to health that feels natural and effortless.
While the goal is to reach unconscious competence, it’s important to embrace each stage of the journey.
The process of learning and practicing new habits is where growth occurs. It’s where you build resilience, discipline, and a deeper understanding of your health.
As a health coach, I encourage you to be patient with yourself as you work toward developing unconscious competence in your health routines.
Celebrate the small victories along the way—the moments when you choose water over soda, when you take the stairs instead of the elevator, or when you carve out time for self-care. These are the building blocks of lasting health.
If you’ve been following along with me for a while, you know that I believe deeply in the concept of “owning your health” and being mindful of the actions to take to continue walking along the path to optimizing health.
And remember, we never get to the finish line. It’s an ongoing process.
I encourage you to think about what habits that you now have that can be labeled conscious unconscious competence. Write them down and think about those habits, and honestly, be proud of your success.
Then think about those habits that you haven’t conquered but are important to you. Choose 2-3 to work on, and move them into the unconscious conscious competence category.
That’s the process of health - simple as that.
Conscious unconscious competence in health is not just a goal but a beautiful state of being.
It represents the culmination of learning, practice, and integration.
When you reach this stage, you’re not just doing healthy things; you are living a healthy life. And that, ultimately, is the most powerful form of health there is.