Why Does Learning Something New Feel So Hard, Frustrating, and Even Painful?

At Optimist Performance, we believe that growth comes from pushing past discomfort and embracing challenges. However, learning something new—whether it’s a skill, concept, or mindset—often feels difficult, frustrating, and even painful. But why is that?

“Learning is not a product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of learners.” – John Holt, Educator and Author

Here’s a look at some of the reasons why learning can feel like an uphill battle:

1. Your Brain Resists Change
The brain is wired to conserve energy by sticking to familiar patterns. Learning something new requires forming new neural connections, which demands extra mental effort. This natural resistance to change can make the process feel hard, but it’s actually a sign that your brain is working to adapt and grow.

2. Cognitive Load
Learning something new can overload the brain. As you process unfamiliar information, cognitive load—the mental effort required—can feel overwhelming. The more complex the task, the harder it becomes. The frustration you experience is simply your brain adjusting and forming new pathways.

3. Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Growth happens outside your comfort zone, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Learning something new often brings uncertainty, which can trigger anxiety or self-doubt. Mistakes and failures are inevitable, but they’re also necessary for progress. The discomfort is part of the journey.

4. Delayed Rewards
Learning takes time. Your brain craves the instant gratification that comes with success, but that reward is often delayed in the early stages of learning. The frustration you feel is a result of your brain not receiving immediate dopamine (the “reward” neurotransmitter), even though you’re putting in the work. But stick with it—those rewards will come.

5. The Power of Persistence
At Optimist Performance, we understand that the struggle is part of growth. The pain you feel in learning is actually the process of building resilience and mastery. Embrace the challenge and trust that every step forward—no matter how small—is a step toward growth and success.

In the end, learning something new is tough because it pushes you to grow. The frustration and discomfort are simply signs that you’re on the path to greater performance and potential. Keep going—the payoff is worth it.

Here are some practical techniques to help you overcome the challenges:

Break It Down – Simplify the learning process by breaking it into smaller, manageable chunks. Focusing on one thing at a time reduces overwhelm and helps build confidence.

Celebrate Small Wins – Acknowledge progress, no matter how small. Celebrating wins boosts motivation and reinforces positive behaviour.

Teach Others – Explaining what you’ve learned to someone else—helps reinforce your understanding and identify gaps in your knowledge.

Build a Support System – Surround yourself with others who are learning the same thing or who can offer guidance. A strong support system makes learning more enjoyable and less isolating.

By incorporating these techniques, you can make the learning process more manageable and rewarding. Remember, every step forward brings you closer to success.

Want to know more – Cognitive Load Theory and its Impact on Learning and Instruction

• Source: ScienceDirect
• Link: Cognitive Load Theory and Its Impact on Learning and Instruction