Being wrong about something often feels bad, but if you view it with the right lens it can be a great thing. I’ve mentioned Daniel Kahneman on here a few times, previously when he talked about using simple language when possible. I’ve also talked a good bit about Adam Grant, particularly in the past few weeks (1, 2).
Adam Grant recently had a chance to talk with Daniel Kahneman, which must have been a fascinating conversation. While it wasn’t recorded, Grant did share a quote from Kahneman that stood out to him and it ties back to the thread of being willing to change your mind.
“No one enjoys being wrong, but I do enjoy having been wrong, because it means I am now less wrong than I was before.”
Being wrong is bad, but knowing you were wrong (and correcting so you’ll be right) is a wonderful place to be. It’s like earlier this year when I wrote about a time that I shared false information about Matt Lauer. He’s a scumbug, for sure, but the truth about him is bad enough. I was wrong, I was corrected, and now I’m wiser for it.
You’ll be wrong about some stuff from time to time, so use those times as opportunities to be less wrong in the future.
Important subject, Mickey. Something I think a good bit about. I’d add, not only correct the wrongness, but apologize for it. Harder for many.
Excellent point, Evie! It varies on a lot on what the situation was, but that’s something that should be done when needed.