Welcome back to Thank God It’s Monday!
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​tl;dr There are two ways that new information enters the space between our ears: through open curiosity or through a brick wall. How we receive information reflects how we view the world, and how capable we are of adapting to it. Are you willing to bend in order to grow? Or are you unwavering in your beliefs? And before you answer that, listen to a few questions to be certain…
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In the book Think Again, Adam Grant challenges how we respond to new information. He argues that we retain certain facts because they strike us as interesting. I would add that we remember things that are emotionally charged, whether positively or negatively.
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For example, I remember being particularly embarrassed as a new PA about not knowing why calcium channel blockers are contraindicated in aortic dissections. After the intensivist let me sweat it out for a minute, he reminded me that particular medication can have an adverse effect, making the dissection worse. I remember feeling ashamed in front of a group of people, and now I will never forget that answer. Emotionally charged information is memorable.

You probably recall a random fun fact that surprised you, solely because it was shocking: where the tallest building is in the world, the weight of the heaviest living mammal, or the car that goes 0-60mph the quickest. While the answer won’t particularly help you do your job better or be a better person, it generated an emotion for you that made it stick.
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Curiosity generally tends to open our minds. Think of a child who is curious about the world, always asking why and seeking new experiences. When we are curious about something, we have a childlike perspective.
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On the other hand, consider how you receive information that relates to a core belief you hold. Typically, you don’t have an open-minded, curious approach because you believe you know about the topic already. When hearing information related to a core belief, there’s one of two things that happens: it affirms your existing stance, or it challenges you.
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The simplest example is political discourse. Your beliefs matter-of-fact to you, and new information either aligns with it so you accept it as truth, or opposes it so you meet it with resistance. You would think we could meet it with the same curiosity we evaluate fun facts, but because it interacts with a core value, it strikes you like a brick wall.
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When someone says something about the president, do you immediately raise arms in battle, or do you explore it with questions? Can you ask why that person feels that way, or do you immediately approach it with anger?
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Rigidity in our society is praised as courageous and strong. But without flexibility, we will break. I would argue that our society is as contentious and polarized as it is because we have lost the value of conversation and adaptation. Instead of looking to those across the aisle as another American who can teach us something, we look at them as an enemy with juxtaposed values. And because leaders have devalued the art of debate, those who are unwilling to learn feel righteous in their ways.
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This book, Think Again, is valuable for all of us to consider, both to heal the country and to grow as individuals. Consider what other beliefs you meet with animosity because they relate to a core value of yours. Is it the way you think you can’t lose weight? Or the way you think you’re stuck in your job? A good sign that you would benefit from thinking again is if you get angry every time someone breaches the conversation. Try to approach it with curiosity instead of contempt and see where it gets you.
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If you found some value in this, please share it with a friend you think would enjoy it! And let me know if you’d like to be added to get TGIM.
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This week, my podcast recommendation is from 10% Happier, “What’s the Point? - A Simple Answer to Life’s Biggest Question.”
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With that, this week I released a beta test for a new program I’ve developed for coaching, and I am so excited about it! We are moving past the age where information is the most valuable resource because everyone has access to all of it at all times. Now, I believe the value is moving towards how we can apply that information in a community. If you’ve been thinking about coaching, I’d love to have you try this new beta program with me! Email me back “beta,” and I’ll send you more information.
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Until next time,
Shannon