Why Learning a New Skill Can Feel Like a Step Backward — And Why That’s a Good Thing

When we start learning something new — whether it’s a technical skill, a leadership habit, or even a new role at work — progress can feel fast at first. We’re energised, motivated, and picking up knowledge at a rapid pace. But then, something frustrating often happens: we plateau, or worse, we feel like we’re getting worse.

This moment can be confusing and disheartening. But it’s also completely normal — and essential to long-term growth.

Welcome to the Competence Curve

In the world of personal and professional development, this pattern is commonly known as the Competence Curve (also overlapping with ideas from the Learning Curve, The Dip, and the Dunning-Kruger Effect). Here’s how it works:

1. Early Growth

   
   

   At the beginning, everything is new and exciting. You’re gaining knowledge quickly, and results come fast. This is often called the “honeymoon phase” of learning.

2. The Confidence Peak

   
   

   With a few wins under your belt, confidence can spike. It feels like you’ve cracked the code — but that perception is usually just the tip of the iceberg.

3. The Dip (or ‘Valley of Despair’)

   
   

   As you begin to tackle more complex aspects of the skill, progress slows. Mistakes happen. You realise how much you don’t know. This is often when people feel discouraged and start doubting themselves.

4. True Learning Begins

   
   

   If you persist, this is where real growth happens. You’re no longer just copying steps — you’re developing understanding, nuance, and practical competence. It takes time, but it’s also what separates average performers from exceptional ones.

What This Means for Your Career

If you’re:

• Starting a new job

• Learning new software

• Transitioning to a leadership role

• Upskilling in your free time

…then experiencing this dip is not a sign of failure. It’s a milestone in the learning journey.

Employers increasingly value people who are comfortable being uncomfortable — those who can manage through that dip, rather than quitting when things get tough. It shows resilience, emotional intelligence, and long-term potential.

How to Stay Motivated During the Dip

• Track progress, not perfection. Look at where you were 30 days ago, not yesterday.

• Ask for feedback — from colleagues, mentors, or managers. They’ll often see progress you don’t.

• Expect the dip. Knowing it’s part of the process makes it less personal.

• Break the skill down into smaller parts and work on one at a time.

• Celebrate small wins, no matter how small.

Employers Take Note

For hiring managers and business owners, it’s important to support your team through this learning curve. Recognise that a new hire may start strong and then temporarily dip before finding their rhythm again.

Provide reassurance, training, and room to fail safely. The long-term payoff is often a highly capable, loyal team member who has grown through the process — not around it.

Final Thought

Progress isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes, the best sign that you’re on the right path is that things feel harder before they get better.

At Employing Now, we believe in helping people build sustainable careers — and that means supporting them through all phases of learning. If you’re currently in the dip, keep going. The next breakthrough might be closer than you think.