BOOK REVIEW

Think Again — It’s Essential

We learn by unlearning and relearning —
we gain knowledge by acknowledging that we don’t have all the knowledge

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

My previous manager used to send the team books now and then. The last book she shared with us before leaving the company was Think Again written by Adam Grant

The book, which I cannot recommend enough, focuses on being open to welcoming the power of knowing what you don’t know and being okay with rethinking things you were sure you knew.

I haven’t finished the book yet, but I wanted to share my initial takeaways:

• Admit you were wrong; it’s okay to change your mind on something; don’t be ashamed to admit this. You don’t have to stick to your guns just because, in the past, you were sure about something. We are learning every day, and with this new knowledge, it is normal that we change our minds. We find people who openly admit to being wrong or changing their minds more trustworthy.
• Ask questions, and don’t take everything you read, see, or hear as the ultimate truth; it’s likely not the full picture. So ask questions—even question yourself! Investigate and research, and look for different angles before you preach your opinion.
• Have debates and conversations with people who don’t necessarily have the same opinions as you. Being open to other perspectives and ways of thinking will likely lead you to gain a more complete opinion on a certain topic, and you should always be open to reviewing your opinion as you continue to learn.
• Edit and re-edit your work; you don’t need to get it right the first time; in fact, you likely won’t get it right. Ask for feedback, rethink what you know, rethink what you are trying to convey, rethink your goals, and go again.

Maybe I’ll re-edit this piece once I’ve finished the book :)

I started reading Think Again last year, and although it engaged me, I didn’t get past the first chapter—I can’t tell you why. I picked it up again recently, and I haven’t put it down.

Maybe it’s because now I can resonate more as I find myself in a period of life where I’m rethinking my path and relearning my journey.

Shine bright.