W.I.N. Wednesday: Which type of information do you want?

"Most people don’t want accurate information, they want validating information. Growth requires you to be open to unlearning ideas that previously served you."

James Clear

It is easy to get caught up in only looking at, and looking for, information that validates and confirms what I already believe. 

I select the news feeds I watch and the news stories I read and listen to, based on my existing beliefs. 

I select the research papers I read believing the one that confirms and validates what I believe and discount the twenty that show my belief to be inaccurate. 

I surround myself personally and professionally with those who think like I do and who are willing to validate my beliefs. 

As I scan the world I look for examples and “evidence” to support and validate my beliefs, and I usually find what I am looking for. 

If I want accurate information I need to be intentional about looking for dissenting opinions and beliefs and disconfirming information, research and evidence. This is not easy and it is usually very uncomfortable for most of us, at least I know it is for me. As James Clear points out however, if you want to grow you need to be open to unlearning ideas that previously served you. 

You need to have strong beliefs, loosely held and an open and curious mind. I have great respect for people who are willing to publically state, “I used to believe ________________, but after reviewing the most current, rigorous research and evidence I realize I was wrong and have changed what I believe.” I am concerned when people hold on to dogmatic beliefs despite the vast evidence to show that belief is not accurate, or no longer accurate. 

This is not about jumping on every new bandwagon that comes along. It is about looking at all the information with an open and curious mind seeking the most current and accurate information. The world of research and knowledge is continually evolving. Science is continually proving that what we used to believe to be true is no longer accurate.

What’s Important Now? Be curious. Keep an open mind. Seek accurate information. 

Take care.

Brian Willis

www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com. 

ONE QUESTION BRINGING FOCUS AND CLARITY IN THE CHAOS AND COMPLEXITY OF TODAY'S WORLD.

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