Wanting something to be true can often be an obstacle to growth. It’s easy to get caught in our own echo chambers, seeking evidence that confirms our beliefs and overlooking what challenges them.
Some of my most significant growth happens when I flip the script and ask, “How could I be wrong?” or “What am I missing?” Instead of just looking for proof that supports my beliefs, I try to seek out evidence that challenges or even disproves them. As Sam Harris once put it, “I don’t want to be wrong a second longer than I have to.”
This approach helps me dig deeper, examine my assumptions, and sometimes, completely reframe my perspectives. It allows me to find new insights that help me perform and think at a higher level—and to bring better information and techniques to my clients.
A Personal Example
For instance, I have a particular way of teaching goal setting that has worked well for me and my clients. When I encountered a different approach in a research-based podcast episode, it would have been easy to dismiss the ideas that didn’t align with mine. Instead, I listened with an open mind, asking myself, “What am I missing? How could my current method be incomplete?”
Listening this way validated much of my practice and revealed areas where my strategy could improve. Those insights were invaluable, even though they challenged some of my assumptions.
Why This Matters
Embracing the question, “How could I be wrong?” isn’t always easy or comfortable, and it’s a powerful tool for growth. It can reveal blind spots, strengthen our understanding, and create space for new ideas. Of course, there may be times when you choose to hold onto beliefs that lack concrete evidence, either because the evidence isn’t yet available or because acting on faith feels right for you. The key is to remain open to questioning—and to remember that the possibility of being wrong is always an option.
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Image created with the assistance of AI using ChatGPT.