Use It or Lose It: The Science of Skill Retention

As humans, we possess a remarkable ability to learn, grow, and develop skills over time. However, this ability is also subject to a fundamental law of nature – the Primary Law of Pruning. This law states that any skill or ability not continually used will deteriorate over time. In other words, if you do not use it, you lose it. Examples are plentiful when you reflect on your life - an example that springs to mind is being ‘forced’ to master statistics in order to complete my research thesis at university. Okay, I wasn’t forced, but I needed to understand the statistical processes involved in my research project in order to attain my honours degree in psychology. That was more than a decade ago, and I would have a hard time trying to explain these statistical concepts today if I were asked, even though at the time I had a good grasp of it. This is an example of pruning in my life.  

This principle of pruning applies to all aspects of our lives, from fitness to relationships, beliefs, and even our work. For example, if you have a great physique or level of fitness and you stop training for a few months, then your physical fitness levels will deteriorate. Similarly, if you are a great writer and stop writing for a year, you will not be as good.

The reason for this is that our brains and bodies are designed to be highly efficient. If we stop using certain skills or abilities, our brains and bodies adapt by pruning away the neural connections and muscle fibres that are no longer needed. This process of "pruning" helps to conserve energy and resources, but it also means that we lose the ability to perform those skills or abilities as well as we once did.

The only way to offset this deterioration of an ability or skill is to practice, play, or use this skill – though this doesn’t necessarily have to be physically. Let me give you an example. 

I recently worked with the EFC middleweight champion after tearing his Achilles. The doctor said he shouldn’t apply any pressure to his legs for the next 3 to 4 months. He knew that he couldn’t afford to do nothing for 3 months, because by the time he gets back into the cage his skill and ability would have deteriorated – it wouldn’t be at the level of a champion. I offered a way to offset the pruning by doing a visualization practice every day – what I call, ‘put in the tape’. So, he basically imagines himself training, grappling, blocking shots and going through a host of motions in his mind. Research shows a mental practice ( visualisation) can have powerful benefits on skill retention and development; though not to the level of physically practicing a skill.

The good news is that this principle of pruning also works in reverse. If we start using a skill or ability again after a period of neglect, our brains and bodies can rewire and rebuild the neural connections and muscle fibres that were pruned away. This process is known as "conditioning" or "muscle memory," and it means that we don't have to start from the very beginning when we pick up an old skill or ability. 

Take the following for example; If you played a musical instrument in the past, but have since stopped, you can still relearn and improve your skills with practice. Muscle memory can help you regain your finger dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and musical ear, even if it takes some time to get back to your former level. Or as in my case, driving a manual transmission car after driving automatic transmission for years – initially I found myself forgetting about the clutch, but after a short while, it was as if I had always been driving a manual transmission car. 

So, how can we apply the Primary Law of Pruning to our lives and become the best we can be at our craft? The key is to be relentless in playing, practicing, learning, and growing in our area of excellence. This means continually using and honing our skills and abilities, even when we don't feel like it or when it's difficult. 

For example, if we are writers, we need to write every day, even when we don't feel inspired or motivated. If we are athletes, we need to train consistently and challenge ourselves to improve our physical abilities. If we are business leaders, we need to continually learn and grow in our industry and seek out new challenges and opportunities.

In summary, the Primary Law of Pruning is a powerful principle that applies to all aspects of our lives. If we want to be the best we can be at our craft, we need to be relentless in playing, practicing, learning, and growing. By doing so, we can ensure that we don't lose the skills and abilities that we have worked so hard to develop, and we can continue to push ourselves to new heights of excellence.