The only thing that stays the same is that everything changes. The greatest asset we can hold is not knowledge, but the willingness to acquire it.
The Paradox of Knowledge
To be in a position to have knowledge, you must be able to receive knowledge. You can’t learn what you already know. The possibilities are endless for the beginner’s mind, yet the expert’s have few.
Navigating the complexities of our lives and careers is lifelong journey of learning. Embracing curiosity with the enthusiasm of beginners and the wisdom of our experiences helps us to become empty vessels, ready to receive new knoeldge.
The concept of ‘knowing enough’ is an illusion. It’s easy to become complacent, to rest on the laurels of our past achievements and accumulated knowledge.
As a leader, I aim to hire people not for what they know today, but their aptitude to learn grow, and my belief that they will be able hold and carry more in the future.
But what happens when we open ourselves to the idea that there is always more to learn? How can we shift from a mindset of knowing to one of continuous discovery?
1. Adopt a beginner’s mind.
Adopting a beginner’s mind means approaching every situation as if you are seeing it for the first time. This mindset isn’t about discarding what we know, but about being open to what we don’t. It’s about humility and the recognition that the journey of learning is endless.
2. Listen more, assume less.
Our most significant learnings often come from the simplest acts: listening more and assuming less. By acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers, we open ourselves to new perspectives, ideas, and insights. This approach not only enriches our understanding but fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
3. Not knowing is a strength.
Embrace the unknown with humility and curiosity. Admitting that we don’t know everything isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. It takes courage to acknowledge our gaps in understanding and seek out knowledge. This awareness enables a journey of endless learning and growth.
With the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.
Shunryu Suzuki, Zen monk and teacher