Having a Beginner’s Mind

Having a beginner’s mind. Why, ways and which to be in motion.

“Empty mind, ready for anything, open to everything; beginner’s mind many possibilities, experts few.” — Shunryu Suzuki

Our world is in constant change. On technological, societal, geopolitical and/or ecological levels.

We need to keep learning, and experimenting like a rookie does in any profession or sport to adapt to those changes.

When we start from scratch, we have little or no bias. I can say I don’t know. I can explore new resources. Found on our own, curated by someone else or even recommended by someone I trust.

We decide why, where and how to start.

We may need a guide – a person or a content – for the beginning. But, what matters more is to keep moving forward—one step at a time. Otherwise, we may procrastinate and regret not doing anything to learn.

To have a beginner’s mind is to learn from our first success and failure. It is also a way to learn to know more and to live.

What was the last time you said to yourself: it was my first that I___ (fill what is popping up, right now)?

It can be rewarding to do something new for the first time. It may also be a way to get more energy and motivation to continue a new experience.

Would I have more energy and drive if…

… I travel abroad for the first time?

…. I meet people outside my industry for the first time?

… I climb a hill for the first time?

Being a new explorer in a promising field or a niche. It is how I work, learn and play on the edge—an early adopter. I can see how a movement rises with the early instigators and contributors.

I can gain influence in an ecosystem. I love experimenting and iterating new ideas with game-changing people and initiatives. But it has to start somewhere and with why.

It starts with my interests. I don’t follow only my curiosity, but I nurture it. With daily new inputs and outputs.

Why? My worldview is evolving, and the possibilities are emerging.

My inputs are a synthesis of insights I spot. They can come from people that surround me, and I engage with them. They can be places I explore on the ground, experiences I did and learn from.

Having a beginner’s mind means nurturing my inspiration and people.

I can try something new even if I have no clue how to start, whether an app or new work or life experience. As a result, my life is more prosperous and enjoyable. It is a life with less boredom.