Why Ignorance is Bliss: The Surprising Benefits of Starting from Scratch

Hi folks! 👋 Doug here,

If you're looking for the fastest way to become an expert...
it may simply be giving up on the desire to feel like one.

When you go into something assuming you know how it's gonna go...
You aren't being very open to creativity. You may totally miss aspects of the problem.

There's a handy Mind Hack to avoid that.
The Beginner’s Mindset is an open, flexible mindset that BOOSTS Creativity.

If you really embrace the concept it will will support you in lifelong learning, personal growth, and adaptability.

Here's the Hack:
You have to approach a topic ready to absorb knowledge without biases. 
Which means being open to having your mind changed.
That can be uncomfortable.

That’s a good sign it’s working

The instruction book for the beginner's mindset is pretty short. It just says:
Don’t assume you know everything.

I’m going to go one step further… Don’t assume you know ANYTHING.
When something seems obvious make sure you actually know it first hand.

But this ISN’T about overthinking.

The beginners mindset also means accepting a certain degree of risk-taking. Beginners take risks. Just don't be stupid about it.
Take Thoughtful risks.

One last awesome benefit of the Beginners Mindset is that it keeps you at the top of your game. With it you'll learn new skills faster and adapt to changes with more agility.

So let's get to the nitty gritty. How to develop a beginner's mindset:

Step 1) Abandon any preconceived notions:
Keep an eye out for times you think you DO know something.
HOW do you know it? Have you ever tested it yourself?

Anything you know... but you don't honestly know FIRST HAND is good place to apply some beginners mindset.

2) Break out of Your Mental Routine:
Take mental breaks to explore new topics. Build some new neural pathways in that old brain of yours.

3) Cultivate genuine curiosity:
Ask a million questions like a 4th grader. Soak up knowledge like a sponge.

When you're talking to a prospect don't just qualify YOUR sale.
Dig into THEIR business, their life, their pain.
They'll like you more, and you'll deliver better results.

4) Embrace ambiguity & Fail well:
Taking risks and failing fast are part of deal. And as I said earlier, don't be stupid about it. Make a thoughtful decision and then execute.

If it doesn't work, attempt to learn why & Then get back to work.

I leave you with the hard part...

5) Bringing this concept into your daily lives and business

It all comes down to a little bit of mindfulness.

• Recognize moments when you are making a judgement.

• Recognize that you’re limiting your possible solution set.

• choose to challenge your assumptions.

• Approach the topic with fresh eyes.

I hope you have a whiteboard ready, because once you practice this a bit...
The ideas will jump out of you.

… and so will questions.
That means you're doing it right.
Beginners have lots of questions.

Great News… once you track those answers down,
You'll be EVEN Smarter!

Previously on @DugLvlsUp:

If you want to chat more about this the twitter thread is below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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☝ Thanks, You’re the Best! 😁
~Doug