I just returned to Franklin, TN from the INBOUND conference in Boston. So many new ideas and new connections. Guy Kawasaki talked about the 10 lessons he learned from Steve Jobs. Here’s just one:
“Changing your mind is a sign of intelligence. When the world thought that changing ones mind was a sign of stupidity, Steve Jobs thought the opposite. Nearly all of us in our everyday lives think that changing our mind is a sign of stupidity and not intelligence. We don’t want to look like a fool in front of others, and so non-desirous of changing our mind. Interestingly, by not changing our mind quickly, we only postpone the delay of becoming a fool in front of the world. We’re wise to look like a fool in front of a small set of people by changing our decisions early on when we see the need.”
So when was the last time you openly changed your mind about something you previously thought to be true? Are you willing to change your mind – or do you dig your heels in to resist feeling foolish?
When I think back to my early years in business I thought I knew the right way to grow a business. But a devastating failure and new information helped me change my mind.
I started a new division at 48 Days that I was sure would work in a big way. But the results caused me to change my mind about that.
I thought I recognized the “right” church. But then new information helped me see lots of new possibilities.
I thought poor people were always unhappy. Then I took a trip to Kenya and saw the kids enjoying every day. New information allowed me to see poverty is not the cause of unhappiness, nor is having money the cure.
I thought eating like we did on the farm, with lots of bread, lard, eggs and milk, was the natural, Biblical, and “right” way. Then some digestive challenges forced me to consider some new options. I’m sure glad I changed my mind about that.
Are you open to new information and new decisions – in every area of your life?
I try to be open to new information and decisions, and feel I do a pretty good job – but I could always do better.
One area I’m probably the worst about this, is in my business. I often get overly confident that I know the ‘right’ way to build, only to find that I was off track. I haven’t had a ‘devastating failure’ yet in my business – and I hope I never do! But I do need to be more aware of opportunities for change & listening to other seasoned entrepreneurs even when I think I’m right.
You’ve always been incredibly helpful in this regard Dan – by sharing so openly about your struggles, you’ve helped all of us avoid the most damaging possibilities while building our businesses. But you’re also very clear about the importance of not shielding ourselves from all the bumps that may come our way – because we learn from them!
Joshua – we do indeed learn from those bumps if we have that mindset in advance. I know the bumps are going to come so I prepare myself to learn something new and move on.
Thanks Dan – this hit me right where I needed today as I ran into some ‘bumps’ – I like the idea of having the advance mindset – definitely important!
Great post Dan! I attended one of the final “Write to the Bank” workshops that you held at the Sanctuary. I arrived with a very clear idea of what I wanted to write about…and by the end of the workshop, I was heartbroken. You (and a couple of the speakers) really helped me rethink my direction. It was hard to accept at first, but in the long run, changing my mind was the best thing that could have happened! Thanks for always speaking the truth, and doing it with such compassion and empathy!
Jim,
Hey thanks for that feedback. I’m glad it’s turning out well for you.
Thanks for creating space through your podcast, your blog, 48days.net, mastermind groups, and more for people to be open to new information and new decisions. I, for one, have benefited greatly!
Dan – So glad to see this post. I recently went back to school to complete a Business degree only to discover my true love is Psychology. I changed my major and now feel right at home.