Learn to Embrace Change from Yoda's Wisdom : The Power of Unlearning in a Rapidly Evolving World

One day, I used an online motorcycle taxi service. It so happened that the driver was previously a traditional motorcycle taxi driver who used to wait near the boarding house where I lived. From our conversation, I learned that out of the seven traditional motorcycle taxi drivers, only one remained in the traditional job, while the rest had switched to online services. The reasons the six drivers switched to online services included the ease of getting customers, fixed prices, no need for price negotiations, and a broader customer reach.

On another occasion, when I was still working in the field of youth economic empowerment, all the youths I mentored used online marketplaces to sell their products. When I asked why they used online marketplaces, they replied that it had become a "necessity" to use online applications to sell their products. Additionally, they felt that if they did not sell online, their reach would be limited to their immediate surroundings.

From both of my experiences, I am reminded of a scene in the film Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, where Yoda trains Luke Skywalker on the planet Dagobah. There is a particular line Yoda says : "You must unlearn what you have learned." This sentence is short but carries a profound meaning, as is often the case with Yoda's statements. I will discuss the meaning of this sentence.

The background of Yoda saying this to Luke is when Luke begins his training to become a Jedi. Luke comes to Yoda with many preconceived notions about what he thinks he knows, based on his previous experiences and how he has been taught to perceive the world.

1. Letting Go of Preconceptions :

A. Mental Barriers : Our past experiences and teachings often create mental barriers that limit our ability to see things from a new perspective. By clinging to these, we may hinder our learning and growth.

B. Fresh Perspective : Unlearning means being open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they contradict what we previously believed to be true.

2. Adaptability and Open-Mindedness :

A. Flexibility in Thinking : This quote encourages us to be adaptable and open-minded. In the Jedi training context, this means being open to the Force and its possibilities, beyond what Luke already thinks he knows.

B. Willingness to Change : It also highlights the importance of being willing to change and evolve our understanding. This is a critical skill in many areas of life, from personal growth to professional development.

3. Deeper Learning and Mastery :

A. Foundation for Growth : Unlearning is not about forgetting everything but about questioning and critically examining our beliefs and knowledge. It allows for a deeper understanding and mastery of new skills or concepts.

B. New Skills and Knowledge : For Luke, this meant learning to connect with the Force in ways he hadn’t imagined. For us, it can mean embracing new technologies, methodologies, or ways of thinking that propel us forward.

If we want to apply this, Yoda's sentence can be implemented in several aspects of life, such as:

A. Education : In learning new subjects or skills, sometimes prior knowledge can impede new learning. Being open to new teaching methods or concepts is essential.

B. Personal Growth : Personal beliefs and habits formed over years might need to be reconsidered to grow and improve as individuals.

C. Professional Life : In the workplace, innovation and progress often require unlearning outdated practices and being receptive to new ones.

Now, let us return to the two experiences I shared at the beginning of this article. Often, we encounter people who do not want to adapt to the progress of the times. This is not because of their inability, but more because they are reluctant to develop. For example, online motorcycle taxis and traditional motorcycle taxis. In some places where I have lived, such as Bogor, Indramayu, Bandung and even Jakarta, there have been clashes between online motorcycle taxis and traditional motorcycle taxis. Traditional motorcycle taxi drivers feel that online motorcycle taxis "steal" their customers ( https://life.indozone.id/viral/434796518/ojol-dan-opang-bentrok-di-stasiun-jember-dipicu-titik-jemput-penumpang and https://www.detik.com/jabar/berita/d-6503164/ribut-ribut-driver-ojol-dan-opang-di-bandung-berujung-damai ). Online marketing and offline marketing. A few months ago, in the Tanah Abang area of Jakarta, there was news that traders in Tanah Abang demanded the removal of online marketplaces from Indonesia, as they felt online marketplaces "stole" their customers (https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2023/10/10/14282231/pedagang-tanah-abang-minta-e-commerce-ditutup-mendag-yang-enggak-adaptasi and https://news.detik.com/berita/d-6974572/heboh-pedagang-tanah-abang-minta-e-commerce-ditutup-ini-respons-mendag). Is it true that online businesses "steal" customers from non-online businesses? It is not accurate to say "steal." It is more accurate to say that online businesses see opportunities and take advantage of the situation, where running a business online extends the customer reach. Moreover, online businesses offer "convenience," where with just one click, consumers can get what they want. Another example is a small shop near my boarding house that offers online payment facilities. It also provides an online cash withdrawal service. So, if we need cash, we do not have to go to the ATM. We simply transfer a certain amount of money and receive the cash. As a result, the small shop has become busier compared to when it was managed by the owner's late father.

The experiences shared in this article highlight the importance of adaptability and openness to change in a rapidly evolving world. The shift from traditional to online motorcycle taxis and the widespread use of online marketplaces by young entrepreneurs demonstrate the necessity of embracing new technologies and methods. These transitions offer greater convenience, broader customer reach, and enhanced efficiency, underscoring the benefits of being receptive to innovation.

Yoda's wisdom, "You must unlearn what you have learned," serves as a powerful reminder that clinging to outdated beliefs and practices can hinder growth and progress. To thrive in modern times, it is essential to let go of preconceived notions and be willing to adopt new perspectives and approaches. This mindset is crucial not only in personal development but also in professional and educational contexts, where continuous learning and flexibility are key to success.

In conclusion, by unlearning old habits and embracing new opportunities, individuals and businesses can navigate the challenges of the present and future more effectively, fostering growth and innovation in all aspects of life.