Day 134 of 1095: The Power of Doubt and Asking the Right Questions
Eliav Ser ???????
Serial Entrepreneur ?? Founder ?? HiTech Growth Architect ?? Builder ?? Future Father&Husband ?? Just Walk It??♂???
Today started in the early hours, dealing with matters related to the ongoing war. Throughout the day, numerous situations challenged the assumptions I've held about people, proper behavior, and the correct course of action. I even found myself presuming the answers to my questions before they were asked. It was in these moments that I was reminded of the deadly weapon that is doubt—the realization that all the scenarios playing out in my head aren't necessarily accurate and that it’s worth checking and asking questions. This way, we can be sure.
Are you filling in automatic templates with opinions about people, solving familiar problems, and reacting to events? Or do you leave room for doubt and try to achieve things you've perhaps avoided until now?
The Morning Awakening
It was 4 AM when I was jolted awake by an urgent call. The ongoing war had brought another series of challenges that required immediate attention. With a cup of soda in hand, I dove into the issues at hand, but something felt off. My previous assumptions about the involved parties and the expected outcomes were proving unreliable.
In the past, I would have powered through, relying on my experience and gut feelings. But today, I chose a different path. I chose to doubt. Not because I lacked confidence, but because I recognized the limitations of my assumptions. This change in approach led me to ask questions I hadn’t considered before. It opened new pathways and solutions that would have otherwise remained hidden.
Challenging Assumptions
We all have preconceived notions—about people, processes, and outcomes. These assumptions often serve as shortcuts, helping us make quick decisions in complex situations. However, when these shortcuts become automatic, they can lead us astray.
For instance, I once believed that a particular colleague was unapproachable and resistant to feedback. This assumption shaped my interactions with them, limiting our collaboration. One day, I decided to challenge this belief and had a candid conversation with them. To my surprise, they were not only open to feedback but also had valuable insights that improved our project outcomes.
The Power of Doubt
Incorporating doubt into your thought process doesn’t imply insecurity or indecisiveness. On the contrary, it’s about maintaining intellectual humility and recognizing the fallibility of our assumptions. Doubt encourages us to question the status quo, explore alternative perspectives, and seek empirical evidence before drawing conclusions.
In my entrepreneurial journey, doubt has been a powerful tool. During the early stages of my startup, we faced a critical decision regarding market positioning. Most data pointed towards a particular strategy, and my team was inclined to follow it. However, a nagging doubt prompted me to gather more data and consult additional experts. This extra effort revealed a hidden market segment that ultimately became our primary focus and a significant driver of our success.
Practical Steps to Leverage Doubt
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Conclusion
Today’s experiences reinforced the importance of doubting and asking the right questions. By challenging our assumptions, we can uncover new opportunities and make better-informed decisions.
Take a moment to reflect on your own beliefs and practices. Are you operating on autopilot, or are you actively questioning and exploring? Implementing doubt as a strategic tool can lead to remarkable insights and innovations.
Until tomorrow, I hope for a peaceful night.
Eliav.