When You Don't Know That You Don't Know
I've often found the largest impediment to being ignorant is, well, being ignorant of the fact I'm ignorant.
It's a difficult endeavor really, to know one doesn't know what one doesn't know.
Coming full circle on this, I've discovered that every time I grew cognizant of my lack of knowing something has always come about by suddenly knowing it.
But then it's no longer an issue of ignorance as I kind of know about it now.
What does this have to do with anything?
I'm glad you asked. This is one of those tricky topics that can be elusive, this discussing of our ignorance. Just the thought of carrying around so much ignorance is enough to make the hair on my own neck stand up in umbrage.
I also get that by vaguely pointing at this as we had to, with little substance to latch onto has created a meandering sort of structure as we slowly weave ourselves into talking about things we know naught about.
Ok, so best to move on or I'm going to be stuck here without getting to the point.
How To Judge The Quality Of A Thing We Know Nothing About.
Being alive is a tricky proposition, for sure. Always having to make snap judgments on the fly. Often with few to zero facts on the issue, as these things fly into our path and needing categorized quickly as an aid or impediment.
Blogging is one of these areas for many of us.
I know for myself, I was luckier than most coming here. I was involved successfully in self publishing, as well as had an inkling I would become a blogger for a couple of years before actually doing this.
So I read a lot of posts by successful bloggers, subscribed to many email lists etc. Read forums dedicated to blogging.
I thought I was really prepared when I finally slapped down my cash ready to come and conquer the world of blogging and take my rightful place atop Neil Patel.
But here's the thing about it, that will likely leave you just as horrified as myself.
I got here and it didn't take me much time to realize something.
As prepared as I was, as many facts as I had accumulated prior to coming here there was this thing in the way. Like some sort of mafia vendetta one can't avoid no matter how much you prepare and try to pay off the right folks.
I didn't know what I didn't know.
How was I to know there was so much I didn't know? As we covered before, had I known I didn't know, i would have known.
The first classes had seemed a little boring to me, as I already knew a lot of that. Elementary stuff designed for those who hadn't studied up before coming.
But then I started encountering things I didn't know.
A Lot Of Things.
And as each month has passed, gaining more knowledge and tools to add to my arsenal in my goal to replace the name Patel in the world of bloggers, it has dawned on me something that sends a chill down my spine.
There is a lot of stuff I don't know still.
STILL!!!
At this point you are likely asking, how do you know that you don't know if you don't know? A great question really as we previously recognized we don't know that we don't know.
But based on my many nights a week live classes, and continued study of many posts here it seems I do little more than encounter new things I don't know.
And some of these things I suddenly find myself knowing are raising questions which are new areas I know for sure that I don't know.
So If Folks Want To Know If Wealthy Affiliate Is Worth The Cost, It Depends Is The Answer.
The thing is, this is only a good deal for those who are ready to embrace the fact you don't know. And take my word for it, you don't.
What you knew often quickly stops being true as there are these cursed changes always taking place, but you don't know until after the changes take place.
Then, you're back to square one.
Now if you are a warrior, willing to wade into your areas of ignorance and learn what you don't know, this is the place for you. Just remember, there appears to be no end in sight to dispel the ignorance as each new knowing opens up access to new areas of ignorance.
It seems the only way to know what we don't know is to become the perpetual student, knowing that while we can be successful we will never reach that shore where all things are illuminated.
The game is rigged to always create new areas we don't know. The only answer to this maddening maze to always stay atop their game, resigning ourselves to leaving on our learning caps and running on the treadmill of ignorance.
Best of luck to all of you reading in your own understanding that you don't know.
It's really awesome making this journey with so many of you as we embrace this sick, twisted dynamic another day together. Perhaps one day Google and others will tire of always devising new things for us to do, or simply run out of new things.
Until then, it looks like WA is the solution as we are conditioned to understand we don't understand, and then we understand there are even more things we don't understand.
This post is intended for all of you who see the value of this training here and sometimes feel overwhelmed by it all.
Just remember when it feels there is just so many variations and directions this one thing.
That feeling of being overwhelmed, like our ignorance is this oppressive cloud keeping us separated from the promised land is PROOF of the quality found here.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Regards,
Jason
Recent Comments
43
I agree with Jenni! We learn something new every single day, Jason, but no way will we even come close to knowing what we don't know! There are only so many ticks of the clock, my friend, and besides everything is CONSTANTLY changing, almost daily, it seems!
Happy Frisatsu!
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Seems like change itself is the only constant. I believe I too agree with Jenni.
Thanks for stopping by buddy.
Regards,
Jason
Hey Sting!
Such a compelling post!
“It seems that the only way to know what we don’t know is to become a perpetual student “
I entered this platform not knowing anything!
All the computer lingo is so Chinese to me. But I patiently tried to learn it, although the system is quite different than how I learn things before. It was a pleasant surprise when I was able to build my first website! Out of pride, showed it to my family, friends and co-workers. That’s how I earned referrals to get into WA.
Despite the constant studying, it seems that new things surfaced every time, and I feel like I even haven’t scratched the surface and new things are already piling up. I jumped in with the new train, trying to catch up.
I guess this is another way of learning, jump in and learn as you moved on.
I joined this platform with an open mind. Grateful that I did! Now I entered the world of endless possibilities which calls for endless pursuit of knowledge that is so foreign to me ~ and that’s the level of ignorance I am working on.
Thank you Sting for this post!
Cheers,
Maria 🌹
Hi Maria,
Thank you. :)
Something Partha said recently really sums this up well.
He said that if one were to use methods as described by the likes of the Patel experts you wouldn't get those same results, because so much has changed since they used to work when they were building their empires.
It appears the only certainty is the uncertainty.
I also note that Partha mentions frequently how he is testing this or testing that, as he explores his own areas of ignorance to move ahead.
It will be no different for us, as we feel our way forward here.
I do know that we have passed the hurdle though, as most folks who refuse to explore what they don't know are usually out of here within a few months and we are approaching the completion of our first year, sitting virtual elbow to elbow in several classes per week.
Speaking of which, Jays class on AI is tonight if you can make it. :)
I sent you an email yesterday.
Regards,
Jason
Choices! That’s what we did! Affiliate marketing is not for everyone. A lot of those who joined at the same time with us have chosen to take another path, as they meet the hurdles. They had the impression of “working from home” will mean twiddling your thumbs and money will roll by! 😊
I am working 3 nights starting tonight. So if I can’t join the class, I’ll watch that on replay!
I responded to the email!
Have a fabulous Frisatsu Sting!
Cheers,
Maria 🌹
Hi Maria,
I hope you're getting some great sleep right now. You work such long shifts, and packed at times with such stress.
It's crazy a little but you're about the only person I remember from around the time we joined. I was more focused on isolating the longer term members who were successful, and it's only because of your outgoing nature that we hit it off so quickly. I could tell even back then you were here for the long haul. :)
I understand if you can't make class, but I'll hold your seat regardless. :)
Regards,
Jason
I’m glad someone is saving me a seat for the class! I remember when I was in college, I would love that my friend would save me a seat, as I would do the same for her as well!
After few lapses in the pool, I had a nap - though not enough to brave my first 13 hours. But that’s alright, I managed. I take tea that usually keeps me awake until my shift is over.
About 3 months after I joined, I was already getting PM’s from among the members that joined the same time that we did. I can review my PMs on how many fell off after realizing that it’s too much work. One of them ( since he was only Premium, and wants to see Vitaliy’s class on evergreen niches, I have to record it in my phone and send the video to him. But he didn’t stay. Some of them, thinks that WA is a dating game, and would want to be friends, and later would ask for email address and phone number. And other incredible cases. 😊
I don’t remember how we hit it off, though. I remember Frank, commenting on my intelligible comments at times, and how we celebrate holidays the same way.
How did you know of my outgoing nature? It’s my old age that I can’t remember exactly! Sorry 😣
You were not the only one who said , “I could tell even back then that you were here for the long haul,” ~ I am curious what made you say that?
Have a relaxing evening Sting!
Cheers,
Maria 🌹
Hmm,
It's hard to explain. I watch folks, watch the words they use and choose not to use. Most are unaware one can read a person by the words they don't use as well.
It's similar to how Kyle talks of words for tire kickers and words for folks ready to buy, the intent.
I could tell by your conduct (the words) that you were here to seriously look into building a business.
It was the same in self publishing. Most folks not only fail, but lose a fair amount of money in it. I could tell after awhile of interacting with folks on the writer groups really quickly if someone was likely to make any money at it, or be like most and spin a few wheels and fail.
I won't name names, although you can see a great example of what I mean on my post calling out the ambassador games.
I had one person on that post who made a very generic comment, one which showed that no way had more than the first sentence or two of my post been read.
This person tends to leave pretty shallow yet encouraging messages everywhere they go. A decent person despite this, and obviously it means a lot to them to be thought of well and liked here. Important enough to take the time to leave lots of positive comments on posts that holds zero interest for them while pretending it does.
Then on the other side of the equation, you see other folks who you can tell read not only the post, but will at times engage with other commenters.
The latter group is one that pays attention and while able to don a social hat, focus on what is in front of them, so they will catch many lessons and nuances those who pass through without taking part will miss everywhere.
The latter group is the one where success is born of, because they are always on the lookout for finding things they don't know they don't know so they can now know it.
You are a great example of the latter, I saw that right away.
I hope you had a good night at work. I saw before bed you did that post I suggested and will make it over there in an hour or so. I need to run out in a few minutes before my vehicle is gone for the day. :)
Regards,
Jason
Hey Sting! How are you today?
“The latter group is the one where success is born of, ….” ~ that is so kind of you to classify me under this group! I really appreciate that. If I had made that impression, that is really heartwarming! And you know how we Aquarians are - we take everything to heart! 😉
My night was a bit interesting! We have a travel male nurse that I have to show around and orient for one night, ~ with every interaction with other nurses, he has to overextend himself, wanting to prove that he knows more , and talks unnecessarily more than what is needed in the conversation. This has already messed up my night. So, when I said I am taking an hour of break ( that’s during Jay’s class- last night), he was still interrupting me just to carry out “unnecessary conversation “. That’s why I need to review and watch Jay’s class again! 😖
Hope your day is productive. Just getting up to get ready for my 2nd night. Had to answer some PMs from the newbies. I get that they’re shy and needed a one on one on things ~ I truly understand that, as I am like that sometimes. I wanted to provide answers to the questions promptly, as that response may be the next step to their next action.
We are on our 80s, and breezy - hopefully yours is the same or even better. I have to get going here Sting. Enjoy your day!
Cheers,
Maria 🌹
Hi Maria,
A little under the weather from to much festivity last night, but slowly coming around, hah hah.
Sounds like you had a rough night, so hope tonight is better for you. I finally replied to your email. :)
As for the classification, you earned it. I'm an excellent judge of others and saw you had the inquisitive mind and the desire to act on what you were learning. You have an amazing level of energy that I'm envious of as well, hah hah.
You're very kind which is why so many are drawn to seeking your counsel. A trait that I imagine can become tiresome at times because so many will take advantage of what they perceive as an open invitation for intrusion. My mom is like that, and I swear though when she passes hundreds from around the country will fly in to pay their respects.
It's really hot here the last few days. At 88 currently, feels like 95 and humidity is knocking on 70%. I really dislike humidity after all of those years in Tucson.
Hope you're rested up. I wanted to share as I close out you made me laugh when you said
" he was still interrupting me just to carry out “unnecessary conversation “
That is so something I would say, hah hah.
Regards,
Jason
Hah! You were socializing? 😳OMG! Should I be envious or should I be jealous? 😏 As I work hard, other people are having festivities!🥺
Oh now that I have read your 3rd and 4th paragraphs, I shall leave you alone! I should just be grateful of your kind assessment of me. Thank you Sting! 🤗 It means a lot coming from someone who rarely would would sing praises to anyone.
I believe that when you had experienced cruelty growing up, you have a choice of path to take, you would choose the path of least resistance. It is fulfilling to be kind and helpful. It’s good for the soul!
I witnessed you do the same to our members here when you kindly give them your good advice.
How old is your mom now? Does she live close to where you are? It’s heartwarming to hear your admiration to your mom.
Since it rained yesterday, the weather had cooled down a lot! We now are on the 80s with breezy wind making it a lot comfortable!
Have you seen the FaceBook Ads blog I generated for you?
Enjoy your evening. Hope you feel better. As your body is not used to you socializing, it got sick when you do! Hahahaha 😂
Cheers,
Maria 🌹
H Jason…realizing that we don’t know what we don’t know is half the battle. Life is one big learning lesson that never stops until we do. Luckily, WA can help us in our journey.
Susan
Hi Susan,
indeed it is. We are trained to live inside bubbles of pretension where we pretend we have everything nice and neatly categorized unlike our barbarian ancestors. Those who leave their mark are those who see through that bubble and dare to walk in unknown areas.
It's great to walk through some of this path with you and the others here. :)
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Regards,
Jason
Hi Jason…I agree with you. We’re all just trying to forge our own paths the best we can. Walking besides others with the same mindset is an added bonus! Enjoy your day.
See more comments
Hi, Jason
Did you get enough sleep before writing this post? Lol 😎
Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t know everything, and how boring would life be if we did?
I consider myself a lifetime learner in all things. If I had the informational power of the Internet available when I was a little kid who knows what would have happened? Maybe my little head would have exploded! Hahaha 🤷♂️😂
I would never pick up a guitar again if there was nothing left to learn, and thank God that can never happen!
I can assure you that Neil Patel is still learning (and inventing) new things every day.
Hey, watch the way you speak about my fellow Italians or you will incur the wrath of the mafia vendetta and sleep with the fishes! Lol🤨 🇮🇹🔫🐟
Rock the FriSatSu! 🤘🔥🎉
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank,
This was one of my silly but has a point posts for sure, hah hah.
You are for sure a learner, flying by the seat of your pants, yet methodically. An exercise in contrast really hah hah.
I wanted to clarify that it was you who introduced Italians into this. I could have been referring to many different groups (Irish/Whitey Bulger) version of the mafia. I find it telling you were quick to claim it as your heritage, hah hah.
Hope your day has been well, and hope you got a chuckle out of my wordplay.
See you in class tonight, it's the AI one.
Thanks for stopping by.
Regards,
Jason
Hi, Jason
I did enjoy your wordplay.
Yeah, in my excitement and haste to boast about my Italian heritage I may not have considered other possibilities.
Still, we definitely have the market cornered on “sleep with the fishes,” and your post picked out our movie for tonight! Lol 😎
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank,
I'm glad you enjoyed it, thank you.
And yes, one could say your peeps have the sleeping fish market cornered. :D
Regards,
Jason
Hi, Jason
We saw the new remastered ultra high def (4K) version of The Godfather part 1 tonight for the zillionth time.😎
Haha, I just love being Italian,🇮🇹🎸
Hi Frank,
I keep debating watching what I think of as one of the best mafia movies again, Goodfellas. I've seen it so many times, but it's been free on Tubi forever, although I do also have it on disc. It's timeless, like the first two Rocky movies.
I hope you enjoyed your movie. That's cool you and your wife do this regularly. Movies used to be a big thing when i was a kid. I can remember my dad taking us to the drive in theaters several times a year, and on Friday nights we would stay up all night watching the local horror host playing 3 horror movies all night.
Regards,
Jason
Hi, Jason
Yeah, Goodfellas is a great movie, but long, like The Godfather. The Godfather has many more references to the old Italian culture. Lol
Watch Goodfellas on Tubi if it's being streamed in 4K (assuming you have a 4K TV), and if you don't mind the commercials, otherwise watch your DVD or Blu-ray.
The Rocky movies are also great!
When I was little, my mother used to put me to bed early on Friday night and then wake me up at 11 PM so that we could watch the horror movie on the original "Chiller" TV program. These days that would probably be considered some form of child abuse! Lol
We both loved them, and everyone else in the family was too afraid to watch. There were no VCRs, etc., back then.
Going to the movies was huge when I was young. We had four movie theaters and three drive-ins in close proximity.
Now, with home theater technology, you can enjoy watching at home with a better picture and much better sound while enjoying your favorite meal or snacks. Haha
My wife and I hang out a lot together, and still lovin' it 27 years later. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank,
What an awesome childhood. My dad was similar, he would let us stay up all night on weekends, although back when we started I was so young i usually was fast asleep sometime in the second movie.
I miss the old outdoor theatres. They had a playground up closer to the screens and would sometimes sit on the swings and watch.
"My wife and I hang out a lot together, and still lovin' it 27 years later. "
That's what its all about. :)
Regards,
Jason
Hi, Jason
Your father sounds too cool! I would have liked to have known him. 😎
I remember the playgrounds at the drive-ins, too. We have one drive-in still around that converted to digital projection. They show mostly old reruns and some new stuff.
Although the movies look and sound better at home, it's fun to re-experience that drive-in vibe!
Frank 🤘🎸
Hi Frank,
The two of you would have gotten along swimmingly. You remind me of him in several ways.
I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for those drive in days from decades ago.
Regards,
Jason
Yeah, me too, Jason.
I live a lot in the past, memory-wise. We're very fortunate to have those good times to think about and share with others!
Frank 🤘🎸