Imagine a world where changing your mind isn't seen as a weakness, but rather as a superpower. What if being wrong wasn't something to fear, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow? Adam Grant explores these questions in his thought-provoking book, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know.

Have you ever found yourself stubbornly sticking to your beliefs, even when presented with new evidence? Or maybe you've hesitated to question long-held assumptions, worried it might make you look uncertain or indecisive. If so, you're not alone—and this book might change how you think about thinking.

In Think Again, Grant invites us to reconsider our approach to knowledge and decision-making, urging us to embrace the art of rethinking. In this article, we'll explore the book's key ideas, exploring how learning to rethink can lead to smarter decisions, better relationships, and a more open-minded approach to life. Ready to challenge your thinking?

The value of rethinking, and the danger of the "preacher, prosecutor, and politician" modes

Grant emphasises that our ability to rethink and unlearn is as important as our ability to think and learn. Many of us cling to our ideas, assuming that changing our minds is a sign of weakness. However, Grant argues that it's a sign of strength and wisdom to question our assumptions, consider new perspectives, and update our views when presented with new information.

Grant introduces three standard modes of thinking that can hinder our ability to rethink. In preacher Mode, we defend our beliefs as sacred, leaving no room for questioning. In prosecutor Mode, we attack the flaws in others' thinking without reflecting on our own. In politician Mode, we try to win over an audience, tailoring our arguments to please them rather than seeking the truth.

Grant advocates for adopting the mindset of a scientist, where we view our beliefs as hypotheses that need testing. A scientist welcomes doubt, experiments with different ideas, and is not afraid to admit when they're wrong.

The power of mental flexibility

One of the central themes in Think Again is mental flexibility—the ability to adapt our thinking and beliefs in response to new information or changing circumstances. Adam Grant argues that this skill is crucial in a constant evolution, where what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Here's a deeper dive into why mental flexibility is so powerful and how it can be cultivated.

In both personal and professional contexts, mental flexibility is crucial to success. Mentally flexible people are better at:

  • Problem-solving: when faced with complex problems, they can examine the situation from multiple angles, considering a range of solutions rather than fixating on a single approach.

  • Innovation: mentally flexible individuals and organisations are more likely to innovate because they're open to experimenting with new ideas, even if it means discarding old methods or beliefs.

  • Resilience: when things don't go as planned, those with mental flexibility can pivot quickly, adjust their strategies, and move forward without being paralysed by setbacks.

In contrast, rigid thinking can lead to missed opportunities, stagnation, and an inability to adapt to change. Grant highlights that in today's fast-paced world, clinging to outdated beliefs or methods can be particularly detrimental, whether in business, relationships, or personal growth.

How to cultivate mental flexibility

Developing mental flexibility is about more than being indecisive or constantly second-guessing yourself. Instead, it's about cultivating a mindset open to learning and growth. One strategy Grant suggests is to adopt a scientist's mindset. Scientists don't treat their theories as final truths; they view them as hypotheses that must be tested and refined. By adopting this mindset, we can approach our beliefs with curiosity and a willingness to revise them based on new evidence.

Another strategy is to embrace the power of "yet." Mentally flexible people add the word "yet" to their self-talk, transforming statements like "I don't understand this concept" into "I don't understand this concept yet." This subtle shift encourages a growth mindset, where abilities and understanding are seen as developing over time.

Practicing cognitive reappraisal is also important. This involves reinterpreting a situation to view it from a different perspective, helping manage emotions and make more balanced decisions, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. Seeking out dissenting opinions can help prevent groupthink and encourage consideration of alternative viewpoints. Engaging constructively with these differing opinions allows us to refine our ideas and broaden our perspectives.

Additionally, revisiting your assumptions regularly is crucial. Review your core beliefs and assumptions to assess if they still hold up. This doesn't mean you need to change your mind on everything, but it does involve being open to the possibility that some of your views might need updating.

Finally, staying humble and curious fosters mental flexibility. Recognizing that we don't know everything and that there's always more to learn helps us remain open to new experiences and ideas. Cultivating curiosity ensures we continuously seek knowledge rather than becoming complacent with what we already know.

Examples of mental flexibility in action

Grant shares several real-world examples in Think Again that illustrate the power of mental flexibility. Nokia's decline serves as a prominent example. The once-dominant phone manufacturer struggled to adapt to the smartphone revolution, clinging to its old models and strategies despite clear signs that the industry was shifting. This lack of mental flexibility contributed significantly to its downfall.

Similarly, Blackberry faced a major misstep. The company struggled because it failed to rethink its approach to the mobile phone market. It missed the rise of touchscreens and app ecosystems that became standard in the industry. On the flip side, companies like Netflix and Amazon have thrived by continuously rethinking their strategies. They have expanded their offerings and adapted to new market realities, demonstrating the benefits of mental flexibility and innovation.

Embracing the joy of being wrong

Another refreshing idea Grant explores is finding joy in being wrong. In a world where certainty is often prized, this may seem counterintuitive. However, Grant points out that acknowledging our mistakes and learning from them propels us forward. By embracing our fallibility, we can foster a growth mindset where challenges are seen as opportunities for improvement rather than threats to our ego.

Grant also offers practical advice on encouraging rethinking in others without triggering defensiveness. This includes asking questions rather than making statements to help others explore their reasoning. Creating psychological safety is crucial, as it allows people to feel comfortable admitting their uncertainties and mistakes. Additionally, highlighting shared viewpoints before discussing differences can make others more open to considering alternative views.

The power of knowing what you don't know

In Think Again, Adam Grant makes a strong case for why we should all become more comfortable with doubt, uncertainty, and intellectual humility. By embracing the power of rethinking, we can lead more affluent, more fulfilling lives, adapt to a rapidly changing world, and become better versions of ourselves.

The book isn't just about changing our minds—it's about learning to love the process of thinking, rethinking, and thinking again. Think Again is a must-read for anyone who wants to be more open-minded, curious, and resilient. Whether you're looking to improve your personal life, professional skills, or understanding of the world, Grant's insights will help you become more adaptable and thoughtful in your approach to everything you do.