Non-cognitive skills form the basis of how we respond to the tasks, activities and situations that encompass our day-to-day life. These skills comprise of things such as conscientiousness, perseverance and teamwork. I don’t think you can name one successful person or group that didn’t have either of these traits in large volumes.
The reason why non-cognitive skills are so important is because they basically demonstrate your attitude. The attitude you bring to any situation is a choice. When we consider non-cognitive skills and job-specific skills – these are far different. These two are skills we have built over time and we can call on them whenever we need – they’re learned, so they stay with us, almost subconsciously.
The reason why non-cognitive skills are so important is because they basically demonstrate your attitude.
On the other hand, non-cognitive must be applied consciously – you need to commit to them and apply them at every situation you face. For example, your boss walks in to your office and dumps a task on your desk that you’ve done a million times before – pretty easy hey? But this task takes a long time to complete, and you know that from experience. Your cognitive skills and job-specific skills have been mastered for this task, but with one missing ingredient it can all crumble to bits.
If we don’t effectively apply our non-cognitive skills, our job-specific skills almost become worthless. If we can’t persevere through the large amount of time it takes to complete the task or if we’re afraid to ask team members for help (both non-cognitive skills) we give a false representation of ourselves. It’s as if we’re incapable of the task – but deep down we know we are beyond capable.
If we don’t effectively apply our non-cognitive skills, our job-specific skills almost become worthless.
This is what happens to athletes that pull out halfway through a marathon, or novelists that give up halfway through a book. They have the skills and abilities to finish their race or their book, respectively, but somewhere along the way they lose sight of this fact. They misrepresent themselves and their abilities – but if they had just tried more consistently and persevered they would have given a more accurate representation of themselves.
The take away note from this is that you are capable of so much more than you think you are. So think of yourself as more than what you are because your thoughts create your reality. The truth is, there’s a representation of you that the world hasn’t seen (you have tonnes and tonnes of talents and expertise) but your non-cognitive skills are holding you back.
You are capable of so much more than you think you are.
It all comes down to making a conscious effort – if you want it, you can have it. But, you have focus your thoughts on what you want and block other less important things out. Non-cognitive skills are a result of habit – so take 21 days to build the habit of using your skills and talents to the best of your ability.
Non-cognitive skills will help you get things done.
~ The Mind Connectory, 2020
If we don’t effectively apply our non-cognitive skills, our job-specific skills almost become worthless. @themindconnectory
Tweet
The Mind Connectory 