We’ve been taught that confidence comes from certainty knowing the answers, standing our ground, and never backing down. But in a world that’s constantly shifting beneath our feet, clinging too tightly to our beliefs can actually hold us back. The true superpower? The ability to change your mind.
Rethinking isn’t a weakness. It’s growth. And in today’s fast-paced world, it might just be the ultimate life hack.
The Power of Intellectual Humility
At its core, the ability to change your mind stems from a powerful trait called intellectual humility the recognition that we don’t know everything and that our views, no matter how deeply held, might need adjusting. It’s not about doubting yourself at every turn, but rather being open to better ideas, fresher perspectives, and new information.
This isn’t just good for personal development, it’s a proven strategy for success in business, leadership, and innovation.
The Leaders Who Changed Their Minds and Won Big
Take Jeff Bezos, for instance. Amazon’s culture is famously rooted in the idea of being “stubborn on vision, but flexible on details.” Bezos encourages his teams to “have strong opinions, loosely held.” That means committing to bold ideas, but being ready to pivot when the facts say otherwise. This mindset has allowed Amazon to evolve from an online bookstore to a global tech giant that leads in cloud computing, logistics, AI, and more.
Or consider Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix. When Netflix started as a DVD rental-by-mail service, the idea of streaming seemed futuristic and risky. But Hastings didn’t let initial success blind him. He embraced data, followed consumer behavior, and steered the company toward a streaming model years before the competition caught on. That decision changed not only Netflix, but the entire entertainment industry.
And then there’s Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx. Early in her entrepreneurial journey, she received well-meaning advice to pursue traditional retail strategies. But instead of following the conventional path, she questioned the status quo and explored unconventional marketing tactics that felt more authentic. Her ability to challenge assumptions—and trust her gut when others doubted her—turned Spanx into a billion-dollar brand.
Why Rethinking Is a Skill Not a Personality Trait
In his book Think Again Adam Grant, organizational psychologist Adam Grant challenges the glorification of conviction. He explains how the most successful people aren’t the ones who know it all, but those who are willing to question what they think they know. Grant likens this to adopting the mindset of a scientist curious, open to new data, and always ready to revise a hypothesis.
Grant’s key insight? Rethinking isn’t just about changing your mind. It’s about being good at how you think not just what you think.
Applying Rethinking in Your Own Life
So how can you practice this mindset in your own world? Whether you’re leading a team, launching a product, or navigating a personal relationship, here are some practical ways to embrace the rethinking habit:
1. Get Curious, Not Defensive
When someone challenges your viewpoint, resist the urge to dig in. Ask questions instead. Where are they coming from? What might they see that you don’t?
2. Create a “Challenge Network”
Surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to push back. Grant recommends building a “challenge network” , a group of trusted advisors who will tell you when you’re wrong, not just when you’re right.
3. Separate Identity from Ideas
Your ideas are not your identity. When you tie your self-worth to being right, it becomes harder to accept when you’re wrong. But if you see beliefs as temporary—tools you use to navigate the world you can update them without it feeling like a personal failure.
4. Practice “Confident Humility”
This isn’t about second-guessing everything or being indecisive. It’s about having the confidence to take action and the humility to know when to change course.
5. Schedule Regular “Rethinking” Sessions
Just like you review your finances or your calendar, review your assumptions. Ask yourself: What am I wrong about? What have I learned recently that contradicts what I believed before?
Rethinking Is a Competitive Advantage
In both life and business, the landscape is always evolving. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. The people who thrive are the ones who adapt. And adaptation starts with being willing to unlearn.
Intellectual humility doesn’t mean you’re unsure of yourself. It means you’re so secure in your curiosity and commitment to growth that you’re willing to let go of outdated ideas even if they were once right.
Conclusion
In a world that rewards agility and innovation, the real edge lies not in how much you know but in how willing you are to rethink what you know. Intellectual humility is not a liability; it’s a launchpad. It’s what empowers leaders to innovate, entrepreneurs to pivot, and individuals to grow.
Whether you’re trying to lead a team, build a business, or simply become a better version of yourself, remember this: rethinking isn’t a sign that you’re lost it’s a signal that you’re evolving.
Also read: Think Before You Speak—because rethinking your words is just as powerful as rethinking your beliefs.
