In general, there are four stages of competency whenever we are building a new skill. The 1st stage is called "Unconsciously Incompetent." This is the stage where you just don't know what you don't know. You are unaware that knowledge or skills are out there waiting to be discovered. When you first learn about a new skill, you arrive at the 2nd stage which is "Consciously Incompetent." This stage simply suggests that you now know about the skill, but you are aware that you are not good at it yet. The 3rd stage arises when you've gained more knowledge and have practiced the skill. You become "Consciously Competent." In this stage you can achieve what you set out to do but it requires mental focus and conscious effort. Finally, as you master the skill, you arrive at the 4th stage of "Unconsciously Competent." At this point, the skill has become ingrained into your body and mind to the point where you can execute the skill without conscious thought.

A simple example of this process is learning to drive. At first you have to concentrate on maneuvering the car, but after a while, you can drive for miles without even realizing you're doing it.

Keep this in mind while practicing elements of walking! At first you may have to concentrate on a particular alignment cue or movement of the body in order to start reawakening the reflexive motor programs of a posterior driven gait. But after a while, you'll be walking in a stronger, healthier way without even thinking about it!

Audio Version