Knowers Accumulate Cynicism; Learners Accumulate Wisdom

How to drop your desire to show how smart you are

We can choose to be “learners” or “knowers”

Knowers accumulate cynicism;
Learners accumulate wisdom.

Knowers have a closed mindset;
Learners have an open mindset.
(As written by Master Coach Lance Secretan)

Knowing it all is a tough way to go through life, and makes you a real pain in the A to deal with at work. It’s also exhausting: it consumes a lot of energy to make sure you’re right all the time.

Most of my clients grew up in a competitive family, attended an Ivy League undergrad or B School. These cultures validate you for excellence in execution.

As adults, in the service of others, you are released from the burden of having to know everything all the time.

As you reorient your focus away from you seeking validation from knowing it all and executing with perfection, to listening intently to your clients needs, your days become a lot easier, and people value you on a much deeper level.

Where are you in overdrive and burning yourself out, or spinning your wheels in the hope that someone will give you a pat on the back?

How can you practice more of a learners mindset, and turn down the anxious validation-seeking voice which pushes you to demonstrate your knowing?

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