Changing Your Mind Without Looking Like a Complete Nincompoop: The Courage to Embrace New Knowledge

Let’s be honest, folks—decisions are tricky beasts. We make them with the best intentions, only to realize later that we may have been, well…a bit daft. It’s like choosing to swim with a shark because it looked like a friendly dolphin, only to find yourself regretting your life choices as it circles in for lunch. But here’s the thing: that decision you made once upon a time doesn’t have to haunt your every step forward.

If you’re a flawed human (and last I checked, most of us are), then you know that while hindsight may be 20/20, foresight is more like one of those weird carnival mirrors—blurry and liable to make you look twelve feet tall. Which is all to say: it’s okay to change your mind when you learn something new.

The Thing About Type 1 and Type 2 Decisions

Let’s bring in a bit of wisdom from Jeff Bezos here, because, well, he knows a thing or two about making decisions. Bezos likes to categorize decisions into Type 1 (big, scary, probably-permanent decisions, like getting a neck tattoo) and Type 2 (reversible decisions, like trying pineapple on pizza and deciding it’s not for you after all). In our personal lives, but more-so in our professional lives we look at way too many decisions as Type 1, when - in reality - there are very few of those. But here’s the sneaky part: even Type 1 decisions aren’t always set in stone if you’re willing to swallow a bit of pride and break out the metaphorical eraser.

The problem is, most of us don’t change our minds because we’re afraid of looking inconsistent, uninformed, or like we were never the visionary geniuses we want people to think we are. I mean, it’s not like public figures ever cling to their past stances as if they’re gospel, right? (it is, after all...an election year but I'll refrain from including links) Refusing to pivot can sometimes look like consistency, but it often translates to good old-fashioned stubbornness. And honestly? Nobody’s impressed by the ship captain who steers straight for the iceberg out of sheer pride.

You’re Not a Shipwreck Yet

Picture this: you’re navigating your personal and professional seas, blissfully unaware that an iceberg called “New Knowledge” just popped up on the radar. But instead of turning course, you think, “Nope, this is fine! I’ve already told everyone this is where we’re going, and I’d hate for them to think I was wrong.”

That’s what we call pride masquerading as principle, my friends. And it’s a little silly. Adjusting course in light of new information is what separates the growth-minded, adaptable folks from the proverbial frozen popsicles. When we refuse to pivot, we’re not just risking ourselves but anyone else who might be on board for the ride.

The Courage to Go, “Oops, I’ve Learned a Thing or Two”

Here’s where the real courage comes in: admitting that you’re a work in progress. Yes, you might have had a rock-solid belief in a certain strategy, a certain viewpoint, or even in a certain hairstyle. And yes, time (or your mother) has since informed you that it wasn’t the best look. That’s okay. Embracing that you’ve learned something new isn’t just smart; it’s a bit heroic, too.

So, here’s a quick three-step guide for embracing change without, hopefully, looking like a complete nincompoop:

1. Accept You’re a Bit of a Work-in-Progress: People change, markets change, and hey, if we’re lucky, even our understanding changes. Your past decisions weren’t necessarily wrong—just right for who you were and what you knew at the time.

2. Laugh at Yourself a Little: Ever notice how nobody loves the person who’s never wrong? If you can chuckle at a misstep or two, chances are, everyone else can, too.

3. Admit When You’ve Learned Something New: Go ahead, shock people by saying, “I didn’t know this before.” It’s the kind of confidence that few things in life require, but when you pull it off, people listen.

The Real Win

Changing course isn’t about hiding old mistakes; it’s about revealing your capacity to grow. Next time you find yourself clutching a past decision, ask if it’s really a core belief or just pride in an outfit that doesn’t fit anymore. The best leaders, partners, and professionals I’ve known are those brave enough to toss out yesterday’s ideas if today’s wisdom is better.? If you are following a path that you charted previously even though you now know better, well...that's just dumb.

So go on, be bold, and have the courage to say, “You know, I’ve changed my mind.” Because in a world where sticking to old ideas is often celebrated for the sake of “principle,” doing the opposite could just be your most principled decision yet.