Training Reinforcement

CHAPTER 3Behavior Change Is Critical

The Forgetting Curve illustrates the case that new knowledge must be continuously reinforced over a period of time, using mnemonic techniques and meaningful material. But focusing on knowledge isn’t enough.

When I was training in Poland, my coach and I had countless coaching sessions in hotel rooms that never varied, no matter what hotel we were staying in. My coach always sat in the chair with his small black notebook, and I always sat on one of the beds. We would evaluate my performance after a training or tournament.

In the beginning of my career, we spent many hours on one specific question: “I know how to do it, so why did I not do it?”

My coach helped me to find out what was blocking me from doing what I knew how to do. He challenged me over and over again and slowly repeated, “You don’t win medals by remembering how to do it, but by doing it when it’s needed.”

My frustrated reaction was either, “I know how to do it!” or “Of course I remember what I need to do!”

Eventually my coach would leave the room, and I would look at the ceiling, trying to find an answer and hearing his words: “You don’t win medals by remembering how to do it, but by doing it when it’s needed.”

Knowing and remembering are not enough to achieve results, although learners must start by gaining knowledge and skills and being able to retrieve information. But they need to do more.

Since my coaching sessions in those small hotel rooms, I have been looking for answers ...