Don’t be stubborn
Is stubbornness part of your character? Are you capable of getting locked into a fixed mindset on an issue that’s crucial to you as an entrepreneur, leader, partner, or parent, even when presented with compelling arguments for a different direction? I can be stubborn—very stubborn. In our roles, stubbornness often feels unavoidable.
Consider this: good leaders, founders, and parents are expected to have a clear vision and solid reasons backing their stances on critical matters. When challenges arise—and they will—we’re expected to display unwavering mental toughness to confront and overcome obstacles without flinching. Yet, we often fail to recognize that the admirable mental strength we expect from ourselves and others can also make us resistant to reasonable and sensible advice at times.
Understanding that even effective founders and leaders can be stubborn helps us make mindful adjustments during pivotal moments in decision-making—both professionally and personally. For continuous growth, it’s essential to recognize when we’re resistant to voices, opinions, and approaches that differ from our own. If you want to grow, don’t let stubbornness hold you back.
As I mentioned, I sometimes cling tightly to my views, especially on matters where I feel I have the most data, experience, and insight. However, I’ve learned the hard way that during those moments, if I simply remind myself to keep my mouth closed and my ears open, and truly listen to alternative perspectives, I benefit every single time. While it may feel unnatural and challenging at first, this practice becomes easier and more intuitive, especially when I see the rewards stemming from my deliberate choices.
If you seek to grow as a professional or as a person, develop your own strategies to recognize when you’re acting stubbornly. Tame that urge so you can fully appreciate what others have to offer.
Don’t be arrogant
How many times have you found yourself in a meeting with a group of bright individuals, only to notice one or two behaving as if they’re the smartest ones in the room? Are you one of those who believes they are? That attitude is a form of arrogance. You or they might very well have expertise on the topic at hand, but that’s not the real issue here. When your actions convey arrogance, you effectively close the door on your personal growth.
In any intelligent discussion, it’s impossible to definitively claim to be the smartest person in the room. What is certain, however, is that everyone present has something valuable to contribute. Otherwise, what’s the point of having the meeting? If someone behaves as if they know better than everyone else, they become the knowledge ceiling for the entire team. As someone committed to lifelong growth, I know I can’t flourish if I limit what my group can learn.
Instead, I enter discussions with the objective of finding individuals who are smarter than I am on the relevant topics. This mindset increases the likelihood that I will learn something new from those interactions and paves the way for my growth.
This approach of cultivating a growth-oriented mindset applies to all areas of your business and personal life. The word “arrogance” comes from Latin and means overbearing or above. We’ve all encountered individuals projecting arrogance, whether in casual conversations or important team meetings deciding the direction of a business.
If you’re a leader who wants to continue growing, be vigilant about recognizing arrogant behaviors in yourself and others. Understand that such attitudes stifle creativity and collaboration, potentially hindering your growth objectives in both business and personal realms. You’re smart, so don’t let arrogance get in your way.
Stay curious
All humans are naturally curious, driven by an innate desire to explore the unknown. This trait is deeply rooted in our genes, passed down from our ancient ancestors who developed these instincts to secure food, water, and shelter for their tribes. Our urge to investigate and learn is what allows our species not just to survive but to thrive on Earth. If you’re reading this book, I’m certain you share my curiosity. As I’ve reflected on my upbringing, I realize I wouldn’t be who I am today without nurturing that curiosity to its fullest capacity. Lasting curiosity is a great fortune and an essential quality for anyone seeking a lifelong, engaging journey as a founder and entrepreneur.
However, there’s no formal education designed to keep us curious for our benefit. I haven’t encountered any reputable executive MBA programs offering a class called “How to Be Curious for a Successful CEO.” Curiosity often seems like an unstudied aspect of human behavior that lacks a concrete business model. I firmly believe that curiosity is one of the top growth drivers for anyone dissatisfied with their current situation, whether in work or life. Since it’s challenging to find school programs dedicated to harnessing the power of curiosity, let me share a few tips based on my life experiences:
1. Always Ask Why
When children learn, their most frequently asked question is “Why?” Adults often overlook how useful this simple yet powerful tool can be for our own growth. Ask why in ways both broadly and deeply. Being broad means exploring a wide array of subjects, rather than just the obvious ones. Expanding your inquiries can significantly broaden your knowledge. Being deep involves focusing on one subject and asking a series of whys until you reach the core. It’s surprising how much more you can learn about something just by continuing to ask why.
2. Challenge Yourself to Learn Outside Your “Box”
Having navigated different worlds—from Eastern and Western cultures to art and science, and from academia to business—I’ve found my curiosity grows each time I challenge its boundaries. While transitioning between these realms wasn’t easy, the rewards have been incredibly fulfilling, creating a positive feedback loop that drives more curious actions. Regular practice in pushing these boundaries enhances not only your curiosity but also your mindset and problem-solving skills. It’s a worthy investment in fueling your innate nature.
3. Be Curious About People
People are the most valuable resources for learning. Always stay actively curious about others, whether they are familiar faces, individuals you meet often, or strangers encountered in passing. I can’t count the amount of valuable advice and fresh perspectives I’ve gained while traveling from people I met just once in my lifetime. Conversely, there’s always more to learn about those you think you know well if you remain curious about them. For instance, I’ve discovered many new things about my parents while writing this book! If I hadn’t pursued curiosity about these new topics, I would have missed significant opportunities to learn from those closest to me.
Curiosity has been my superpower for self-driven growth. I am now sharing that power with you. May your curiosity take you to wonderful places.
