Embracing Independent-Mindedness: How to Think for Yourself and Achieve Better Outcomes

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Jun 30, 2023
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Embracing Independent-Mindedness: How to Think for Yourself and Achieve Better Outcomes
Introduction:
In a world that often values conformity and the status quo, thinking for oneself can be a powerful and transformative act. It requires the courage to follow your heart and intuition, even when conventional wisdom may dictate otherwise. This article explores the importance of independent-mindedness and offers actionable advice on how to cultivate this mindset.
Surrounding Yourself with the Right People:
It is essential to be mindful of the company we keep. The people we surround ourselves with greatly influence our thoughts and ideas. If we are constantly surrounded by conventional-minded individuals, our ability to express and develop unique ideas becomes limited. Successful startups, for example, thrive on independent-minded founders and early employees. However, as companies grow, the spirit of independent-mindedness often becomes diluted. To counter this, it is crucial to cultivate a small collection of independent-minded friends and also make an effort to meet people from different backgrounds and perspectives. By doing so, we expose ourselves to a wider range of ideas, enhancing our ability to think independently.
Learning from History:
History provides us with invaluable insights into the thoughts and perspectives of those who came before us. By immersing ourselves in historical accounts, we can begin to understand how things looked to people in the past. This exercise is akin to traveling far to triangulate a point; it expands our knowledge by allowing us to see inside the heads of others. The goal is not to find flaws in established beliefs, but rather to uncover new ideas that may have been concealed by broken ones. By embracing the knowledge and insights of the past, we can further develop our independent thinking skills.
The Components of Independent-Mindedness:
Independent-mindedness consists of three key components: fastidiousness about truth, resistance to being told what to think, and curiosity. Fastidiousness about truth means being diligent in seeking factual accuracy and not settling for mere assumptions or hearsay. Resistance to being told what to think involves actively challenging the conventional wisdom and delighting in ideas that subvert established beliefs. Curiosity plays a crucial role in the process, as it helps us discover new ideas and perspectives to fill the space in our minds left by skepticism and resistance.
The Wrong Side of Right:
Focusing on proving ourselves right can be a detrimental mindset. Instead of striving for the best outcomes, we become fixated on defending our own beliefs and dismissing anything that challenges them. Elon Musk wisely advises entrepreneurs to approach their ideas with the assumption that they are wrong, aiming to be less wrong over time. This shift in perspective allows us to detach our egos from our positions and prioritize the pursuit of truth and better outcomes for everyone. At Farnam Street, the principle of working with the world as it truly is, not as we want it to be, guides our thinking. By relinquishing the desire to be right, we open ourselves up to creating the best possible work and achieving optimal results.
Actionable Advice:
- 1. Surround yourself with independent-minded individuals who challenge your thinking and expose you to diverse perspectives. Seek out mentors, colleagues, or friends who encourage curiosity and open-mindedness.
- 2. Embrace a lifelong commitment to learning from history. Engage with historical texts, biographies, and accounts to gain insights into different eras and perspectives. This exercise will broaden your understanding of the world and enhance your independent thinking skills.
- 3. Prioritize the pursuit of truth and better outcomes over proving yourself right. Adopt Elon Musk's approach of assuming you are wrong and continuously seeking ways to be less wrong. Detach your ego from your positions and focus on creating work that benefits everyone.
Conclusion:
Embracing independent-mindedness is a powerful tool in today's world. By cultivating a mindset that values truth, resists conformity, and embraces curiosity, we can unlock new ideas and achieve better outcomes. Surrounding ourselves with the right people, learning from history, and prioritizing the pursuit of truth are actionable steps we can take to nurture independent thinking. So, let us have the courage to follow our hearts, challenge the status quo, and ultimately create a brighter future through independent-mindedness.
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