Change is a constant. Whether we’re in the boardroom or working from our home office in our sweatpants, the ability to adapt is what truly separates the women who thrive from those who just survive. As a woman in the workforce, you’ve likely felt the pressure of keeping up with trends, new technologies, and even the shifting dynamics of leadership. But what if I told you that one of the most effective tools for staying ahead of the game isn’t just about acquiring new skills, but unlearning and relearning what we thought we knew? Welcome to the concept of reverse learning — the idea that growth often requires shedding outdated ways of thinking and embracing fresh perspectives, especially when the path forward is unclear.
Reverse learning isn’t a new concept. In fact, it’s rooted in the age-old idea of reflection. But let’s be honest: as women, we’re often expected to “know it all” or be experts from day one. We’re taught to look forward, push forward, always level up. But sometimes, the most forward-thinking thing we can do is to look back — reflect on our experiences, the ways we’ve been conditioned, and the habits we’ve adopted that no longer serve us.
Let me tell you a quick story.
A woman named Maria—let’s call her a hypothetical “superwoman,” a.k.a, my very real friend—was stuck in a rut at her corporate job. She’d climbed the ladder quickly, checked off all the boxes, and nailed every interview. But her career felt like a hamster wheel. She was growing weary of the same meetings, the same corporate jargon, and the same work-life imbalance that had initially seemed so glamorous. She had all the qualifications, all the experiences, and yet she felt… stuck.
One day, Maria was asked to mentor a younger employee, someone just starting her career journey. This younger woman was curious, full of ideas, and — here’s the kicker — she didn’t have any preconceived notions about how things “should” be done. She asked Maria all sorts of questions, challenged old practices, and pushed her to look at her own career through a different lens. That’s when it hit Maria: Reverse learning was the answer. Instead of simply passing on her knowledge, she realized there was much more to gain by unlearning the things that were holding her back. She started shedding old methods of working and thinking, and in doing so, discovered a new layer to her career — one where she could be more adaptable, dynamic, and, yes, happier.
This story is a testament to the power of reverse learning. Let’s break it down.
Why Reverse Learning Is a Game-Changer for Women in the Workforce
Reverse learning challenges the idea that only new skills and knowledge will push us forward. Instead, it’s about looking at what you already know, identifying what’s no longer serving you, and discarding those habits. Whether it’s realizing that you’ve been overcompensating by saying “yes” too much, or that you’ve been stuck in outdated mindsets about what it means to be a leader, reverse learning helps you rethink the way you approach both work and life.
Think about it like spring cleaning for your career. You wouldn’t keep an old sweater in your closet that you never wear, right? Why keep old patterns of behavior or outdated thinking in your career wardrobe? As women, we’re often taught to be “perfect” or “complete” in our roles, but the truth is, perfection is a myth. And the most important thing we can do for ourselves is recognize when it’s time to make room for new ideas.
And here’s the kicker: reverse learning also aligns with what we know about how women lead. Women’s leadership styles are often described as collaborative, inclusive, and intuitive — traits that aren’t always rewarded in traditional work environments. But reverse learning teaches us how to break free from this “one-size-fits-all” model of leadership and develop a more authentic, flexible approach.
Let’s Talk About the Unspoken Power of Unlearning
Unlearning is where the magic happens. For women especially, unlearning can be a powerful tool for breaking through barriers and finding your own voice in your career. Think about the messages we’ve received over the years: “You need to be tougher.” “You need to look a certain way.” “Don’t be too emotional.” “Speak up but don’t be bossy.” The list goes on. Reverse learning involves confronting these messages and, instead of adopting them, asking ourselves: “Why do I believe that? Is this still relevant?”
As women, we often carry mental and emotional baggage that can impact our professional growth. Reverse learning invites us to question the assumptions we’ve built our careers upon, to toss aside outdated ideals, and to create our own narrative. And by doing that, we allow ourselves the space to experiment, to take risks, and to embrace change as an opportunity — not a threat.
So How Do You Start?
Okay, you’re probably thinking: “Great, reverse learning sounds fantastic, but how do I even start?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you.
- Pause and Reflect: Take a step back from your usual hustle. Write down your career goals and compare them to your current reality. What feels out of place? What no longer aligns with who you are now?
- Ask “Why” a Lot: The next time you make a decision at work, ask yourself why you’re doing it this way. Is it because that’s how it’s always been done? Or is it because it’s truly the best method? Sometimes asking why will help you unearth outdated assumptions or behaviors you didn’t realize you were holding onto.
- Seek Outside Perspectives: Just like Maria did with her mentee, surround yourself with people who challenge your way of thinking. It could be a mentor, a colleague, or even someone outside your industry. Their fresh perspectives can prompt you to rethink your approach.
- Create Room for Experimentation: Reverse learning isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being comfortable with the process of trial and error. Don’t be afraid to try new methods, even if they initially seem risky or unfamiliar.
“Sometimes the bravest thing a woman can do is admit she doesn’t have it all figured out yet.”
- Let Go of Perfectionism: Perfectionism is often tied to outdated, unrealistic expectations. Stop striving for perfection in everything you do. Instead, aim for progress, adaptability, and balance.
- Keep Moving Forward, One Step at a Time: Reverse learning isn’t a one-time fix — it’s an ongoing process. As you let go of what no longer serves you, you make room for new ideas, fresh perspectives, and ultimately, a more adaptable version of yourself.
The Bottom Line
In a world where change can feel like the only constant, reverse learning offers women a way to navigate career transitions with grace and authenticity. By looking backward and reflecting on what we’ve learned (and unlearned), we open ourselves to the possibility of career reinvention. So go ahead, unlearn what’s holding you back. Embrace reverse learning. You’ve got this.