How To Develop Your Personality By changing Your Behavior: Knowing And Applying

How To Develop Your Personality By changing Your Behavior: Knowing And Applying

How To Develop Your Personality By Changing Your Behavior: Knowing and Applying

In the journey of learning and personal development, there exists a significant distinction between knowing something and applying that knowledge effectively. While knowing involves acquiring and understanding information, applying requires using that knowledge in real-life situations. This article is about the distinction, the challenges it presents, and how we can bridge the gap to ensure our knowledge translates into meaningful action.

Understanding Knowing and Applying

Knowing refers to the process of acquiring information, comprehending concepts, and retaining theoretical knowledge. This is typically achieved through reading, studying, observing, and absorbing information. For instance, a student studying a textbook on human anatomy gains knowledge about the structure of the human body.

Applying, on the other hand, involves the practical use of this knowledge in real-world scenarios. It means implementing theories, concepts, or skills in specific contexts. For example, a medical student applying their knowledge of anatomy during a clinical rotation or a doctor performing surgery based on their understanding of the human body.

The Characteristics of Knowing

Passive Process:

Knowing is largely a passive activity. It involves the absorption of information without necessarily engaging with it actively.

Retention and Comprehension: The focus is on retaining information and understanding its theoretical aspects.

Cognitive Understanding:

Knowing involves a cognitive grasp of facts, principles, and procedures, such as understanding mathematical formulas or scientific theories.

The Characteristics of Applying

Active Process:

Application is an active endeavor. It requires engagement, action, and practice.

Execution and Practice: The focus is on executing tasks and practicing skills, such as solving real-world problems using mathematical formulas.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability:

Applying knowledge necessitates problem-solving abilities and adaptability to different situations and contexts.

The Gap Between Knowing and Applying

Despite the interconnectedness of knowing and applying, a significant gap often exists between them. This gap can be attributed to several factors:

Skills Development:

Understanding a concept does not guarantee the ability to apply it effectively. For example, while someone may understand the principles of time management, effectively managing their time requires practical application and discipline.

Experience:

Real-world application provides experiences that deepen understanding. Reading about negotiation techniques is valuable, but engaging in actual negotiations offers practical insights and hones one's skills.

Mindset and Attitude:

Applying knowledge often requires a proactive mindset, willingness to take risks, and resilience. It involves stepping out of one's comfort zone and facing uncertainties. For instance, knowing leadership principles does not automatically make someone an effective leader; applying these principles in challenging situations is what truly develops leadership skills.

Bridging the Gap:

Strategies for Effective Application

To bridge the gap between knowing and applying, intentional strategies and practices are essential:

Practice and Application:

Engage in hands-on activities: Participating in internships, simulations, and real-world projects provides opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge.

Continuous practice:

Regularly practicing skills helps refine them and improve performance. For instance, practicing public speaking can enhance one's communication skills over time.

Feedback and Reflection:

Seek feedback: Feedback from peers, mentors, and supervisors helps understand the effectiveness of one's application and identify areas for improvement.

Reflect on experiences:

Reflecting on experiences allows for gaining insights and adapting strategies. It helps in understanding what worked, what didn’t, and why.

Continuous Learning:

Stay updated:

Continuously learning new knowledge and techniques ensures that one's skills remain relevant and effective.

Embrace lifelong learning:

Lifelong learning fosters continuous improvement and adaptation in various contexts.

Examples Illustrating Knowing vs. Applying

Learning a Language:

Knowing grammar rules and vocabulary is essential, but speaking, listening, and writing in real-life situations are crucial for developing fluency. For instance, a language learner may understand grammatical rules but needs to practice speaking with native speakers to become fluent.

Medical Training:

Medical students learn about human anatomy and diseases, but clinical rotations and patient interactions are critical for becoming competent doctors. The application of medical knowledge in diagnosing and treating patients develops practical medical skills.

Software Development:

Understanding programming concepts is the first step, but building, testing, and deploying applications in real-world environments develop practical coding skills. For example, a software developer needs to apply their knowledge to write efficient code and solve technical problems effectively.

The Importance of Bridging the Gap

Bridging the gap between knowing and applying is crucial for several reasons:

Effective Problem-Solving:

The ability to apply knowledge effectively enables individuals to solve real-world problems and make informed decisions.

Professional Competence:

In the professional world, competence is measured by one’s ability to apply knowledge and skills effectively. This is true across various fields, from engineering and medicine to business and the arts.

Personal Growth:

Applying knowledge in different contexts promotes personal growth and development. It enhances one's ability to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Innovation:

Application fosters innovation. When individuals apply their knowledge creatively, they can develop new solutions, products, and services that address real-world needs.

Conclusion

While knowing the foundation of understanding, applying is what transforms knowledge into practical skills and competencies. Bridging the gap between knowing and applying requires intentional practice, experience, feedback, and a growth mindset. By actively engaging in the application of knowledge, seeking feedback, reflecting on experiences, and embracing continuous learning, individuals can ensure that their knowledge translates into meaningful and effective action.

Ultimately, the journey from knowing to applying is one of growth, learning, and development. It is a journey that transforms theoretical knowledge into practical wisdom, enabling individuals to move and excel in the complexities of the real world.