On Our Hidden Superpower
We all have a superpower.
Most of us choose not to use it for good.
That superpower?
The willingness to change our minds
I was watching a TV show one evening.
And when I watch any type of media,
I take note of the different camera angles the director chooses.
This is an exercise that improves my photography.
As I watch this TV show, I realize
They used non-traditional camera angles.
They place the subject at the lower corners of the frame
or all the way on the left or right.
I stared at the picture
and said to myself.
Traditionally, I would not take a picture or even frame somebody like that —
but I really liked it.
And found myself changing my mind.
A skill that Jeff Bezos considers a superpower.
You can have a strong belief about something.
Even take it to the grave.
Your final answer?
I’m sticking to it.
But how much cooler would it be to sit and listen?
And to acknowledge — that we may have been wrong.
To say, “I’ve never thought about it that way, I think you’re right”.
I remember the first time this happened to me.
I was having a conversation about capitalism with a friend.
I’m in support of capitalism in theory.
Well, rather what capitalism should be, but not necessarily what it is.
We were conversing respectfully
and she made a point that I’d never considered.
Usually, these dinner conversations can become heated.
This time was no different.
She was done and was waiting for my rebuttal.
My response?
“I’ve never thought about it like that.”
“I think you’re right.”
She gazed at me confused.
She was caught off guard.
I wasn’t trying to do this on purpose
I thought about her argument and I liked it.
So I want to challenge you.
There may be something that you have such a strong belief on –
You’ve been riding with the idea for multiple years.
Even a decade or two.
I challenge you to choose your superpower.
To open up your mind a little bit.
and to see something from a different point of view.
Enjoy your walk.
