#19 My Nightstand
This week I reflect on a concept I call: Mindflexion. The power of rethinking, looking at new perspectives and analyzing ideas with the right mindset.
Welcome to “My Nightstand”!
This newsletter plays around the concept of three things that I have on my nightstand when I go to bed: 1) a book, 2) a piece of content that inspired me 3) a quote or a reflection on self-improvement, life or work.
WHAT’S IN THIS EDITION: In this edition, we're diving into:
1) Think Again, a masterpiece by Adam Grant ;
2) A 60s video from Jony Ive, the legendary Apple designer;
3) An inspiring reflection from Jeff Bezos (from 2012!)
Let’s get into it, and subscribe to stay updated for the next issues and join a growing community of like-minded smart people!
1. Book Spotlight: "Think Again” by Adam Grant (Amazon link)
This is one of the many great books written by Adam Grant, a bestselling author and professor, expert in organizational psychology.
Here, Adam Grant, a professor at the Wharton School, analyzes the power of rethinking and unlearning to better understand ourselves and the world. His main thesis is that adopting a "scientist mode" of thinking, which involves challenging and doubting our own ideas and being open to new ones, is more beneficial than sticking rigidly to our beliefs. I found it extremely thought-provoking and inspiring, and he covers various themes, from the pitfalls of attachment to ideas and the effectiveness of motivational interviewing, to strategies for improving one's ability to reconsider and applying these principles in different life aspects, including the workplace and personal goals.
Key concepts:
The Importance of Rethinking: the author highlights the power and necessity of rethinking in our personal and professional lives. He argues that the ability to reconsider and unlearn is just as important as our capability to learn new things.
Adopt a Scientist Mode of Thinking: Grant pushes us to adopt a 'scientist mode' in our thinking process. It means being open to doubt, constantly questioning your own understanding, and being willing to change your mind in light of new evidence.
Intellectual Humility: Adam Grantdiscusses the concept of intellectual humility. He recognizes that what we know is limited and being open to learning from others. This mindset can lead to better decision-making and greater openness to alternative viewpoints.
Rethinking in a Polarized World: In today's highly polarized world, I found the insights on rethinking particularly relevant. He shows how this approach can help bridge divides and foster more productive conversations in both personal and professional contexts.
Real ways to “Think Again” in Daily Life: the book also offers practical advice on how to apply the principles of rethinking in everyday life, from changing your own habits to influencing others' beliefs and behaviors constructively.
MY TAKEAWAY:
In a world that is increasingly complex (we consume 10x the information than 30 years ago), increasingly stimulating our thoughts, and polarizing towards certain beliefs, being open, flexible and recognizing the need to change our own minds can be considered a superpower. We should rely on our values, but always challenge our beliefs. To me, the concepts in this book are key to navigate our world today, what do you think?
2. A content to reflect on: “Ideas are always fragile” by Jony Ive (link here)
I am linking this short video, 60 secs, so you that can experience the powerful message that Jony Ive, the legendary designer of Apple, shares here.
“Ideas—by definition—are always fragile. If they were resolved, they wouldn’t be ideas. They would be products that were ready to ship”.
“I’ve come to learn that you have to make an extraordinary effort not to focus on the problems, which are implicated with any new idea. These problems are known. They’re quantifiable and understood. But you have to focus on the actual idea, which is partial, tentative, and unproven.”
Identifying how you should look at an idea and at problems is a pretty powerful concept that Ive shares. I remember hearing the say in the startup world that ideas are cheap, execution is everything. Whether you call it cheap, or fragile, it gives you the sense that an idea is just an unformed concept that needs work, focus and effort.
“That is why criticism and focusing on the problems can be so damaging—particularly in the absence of a constructive idea. Remember, opinions are not ideas. Opinions are not as important as ideas. Opinions are just opinions.”
Connecting to the whole thread of the newsletter this week, being able to recognize that opinions are just opinions, and that you need to focus on the constructive part, is a way to “Think Again”, or understand that a belief, an opinion, should not be taken as dogma. An idea, instead, is a seed that needs to be transformed into a flower by being watered with work and constructive thoughts.
What’s your view on these concepts shared here? What’s your view of an idea?
3. A powerful concept on the importance of changing your mind, by Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos shared a pretty powerful concept back in 2012, and I think it still applies more than ever, to define what I mean by “Mindflexion”:
Bezos said “people who are right a lot of the time are people who often changed their minds.”
In short, he indicates that he does not consider consistency of thought a particularly positive trait.
He has noticed that the brightest people are always changing how they see things. Even when they think they've figured something out, they're willing to think about it again. They're open to new ideas, different views, new information, and challenges to what they already believe.
I think this view is what best defines that concept I want to call “Mindflexion”. It combines the concept of the mind, with reflection, and flexibility. All these three together, gives you that possibility to see things from different angles, and never get stuck on beliefs.
Moreover, Jeff shared as well this reflection: What trait signified someone who was wrong a lot of the time? Someone obsessed with details that only support one point of view. If someone can’t climb out of the details, and see the bigger picture from multiple angles, they’re often wrong most of the time.
What do you think? Does this concept resonate with you? How many times do you challenge your beliefs?
Closing Thoughts
As always, hope you enjoyed the read and let me know what you think in the comments!
I have moved the newsletter to be bi-weekly to focus on the quality of the content I share. If you have recommendations on books, content or topics I should cover, feel free to share it with me!
For me, the nightstand represents a space where I leave many of the things that are on my mind when I go to bed, and I started this newsletter to share some of those reflections and content with readers.
If you like this newsletter, please subscribe and share it with friends!
Stay curious, stay open.
Gianluca