Unconscious competence is the stage where you’ve practiced something so much that it becomes second nature. You can do it automatically, without even thinking about it.
It’s the final stage in the “Four Stages of Competence” learning model:
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Unconscious incompetence – You don’t know what you don’t know.
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Conscious incompetence – You realize what you don’t know and start learning.
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Conscious competence – You know what to do, but you still have to think about it.
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Unconscious competence – You’ve mastered it. It’s automatic.
In the weight loss and habit-change world, unconscious competence is when healthy choices no longer feel effortful.
- You naturally stop eating when you’re satisfied.
- You move your body regularly because it feels good, not because you “should.”
- You manage stress or emotions without automatically turning to food.
It’s that amazing place where your new lifestyle becomes who you are, not just something you’re trying to do.
CREDIT: The concept of unconscious competence was built on the work of Martin M. Broadwell, published in 1969 by Noel Burch who expanded upon Broadwell's original work on the topic. Dr. Lisa first learned of it at a conference many years back, where Kemia Sarraf taught the concept.
BONUS WORKSHEET: Be sure you open up (and use!) the worksheet that goes with this video!