In this rapidly changing and uncertain era, only by continuously reflecting on and updating our ways of thinking can we find a clear path forward amidst complexity. Constantly challenging our past assumptions and courageously letting go of ingrained biases and preconceptions have become some of the most vital survival skills for modern people. Whether in life, work, or relationships, we need to regularly review and reassess the decisions we’ve made and the judgments we’ve formed. Only in this way can we maintain mental flexibility and innovation, avoid being trapped by fixed patterns, and embrace a wider range of possibilities.
Personal Level: Become the Scientist of Your Own Life
- Think like a scientist — maintain skepticism and validate your views.
When you start forming your own opinions about something, try to avoid falling into the trap of stubbornness. Don’t rush to promote your ideas or force others to accept them emotionally. Treat your views as preliminary hypotheses, gather data, run experiments, and keep testing. Just like many successful entrepreneurs treat their business strategies as scientific experiments, constantly adjusting views and learning from feedback. We can all adopt this mindset to avoid blind confidence and embrace an ever-changing world.
- Shape your identity through values, not fixed opinions.
When we tie our identity to a fixed viewpoint, we tend to cling to outdated ideas out of fear of change. Instead, if you define yourself as someone who values curiosity, learning ability, and flexible thinking, you’ll stay open when facing new information. Try writing down the factors that would make you change your mind, helping you step outside your “cognitive comfort zone” and become a continually growing individual.
- Actively seek and listen to information that opposes your views.
Humans naturally look for information that supports their existing beliefs — a “confirmation bias” that easily leads to cognitive stagnation. Intentionally step outside your information bubble to read and consider voices that differ or even directly oppose yours. Even if you disagree, listen patiently; this effectively breaks echo chambers and broadens your perspective and depth of thinking.
- Beware the Dunning-Kruger effect: don’t let overconfidence hinder your growth.
The Dunning-Kruger effect tells us that those least aware are most likely to overestimate their abilities. When you feel you know everything, that’s often when you’re blind to your knowledge gaps. Regularly reflect on your understanding and ability to communicate in any field to stay humble and keep progressing.
- Doubt is not weakness, but a gateway to growth.
When you find yourself doubting something, don’t rush to dismiss that feeling. Doubt signals recognition of limits and a starting point for improvement. You can be confident in your learning ability while questioning current solutions. True experts recognize their unknowns and proactively explore them.
- Embrace the joy of making mistakes — see failure as a valuable discovery process.
Mistakes are inevitable; the key is how we view them. Seeing errors as signals revealing new truths, using humor and self-mockery to ease internal resistance, helps you shift from a mindset of “proving yourself” to one of “self-growth,” unleashing more creativity.
- Learn from everyone’s experiences around you.
No one knows everything, and everyone excels in different areas. Try to understand what issues they’ve been reflecting on recently, share your own experiences of changing views over the past year — such exchanges inspire mutual growth.
- Build a social circle that both supports and challenges you.
Having cheerleaders is important, but even more valuable are critics who bravely point out your blind spots. Identify the most insightful critics in your life and work, invite them to question your views, tell them why you respect their opinions and what areas you hope they challenge. This openness and respect make criticism more constructive.
- Face constructive conflicts courageously and distinguish people from issues.
Conflict itself isn’t the enemy; the key is distinguishing “relationship conflicts” from “task conflicts.” The latter stimulates thinking and improvement. Treat disagreements as rational debates, focusing on ideas rather than personal attacks, making discussions more productive and reducing emotional interference.
Interpersonal Level: The Art of Listening and Communication
- Practice persuasive listening rather than just stating your own views.
When we want others to understand us, we often neglect listening. Effective communication starts with listening: guiding others to clearly express their ideas and motivating them to reflect on change. Speak less, ask more — make the dialogue an exploration, not a quarrel.
- Ask “How do you do it?” rather than “Why do you think so?”
People’s reasoning often strengthens their original position, making change harder. When discussing specific actions and practices, they are more likely to see their cognitive limits and adjust views.
- Ask “What evidence would change your mind?”
This key question opens doors to the other person’s mindset. Understanding what proof they require and communicating in their perspective and language usually works better than imposing your viewpoint.
- Trace the origin of beliefs to help reassess them.
Many beliefs arise from stereotypes and habitual thinking. Ask if their views would differ if they were born in another era or culture — this stimulates reflection and openness.
- Acknowledge common ground; debate is a dance, not a battle.
Finding mutual points and building from there doesn’t weaken your stance — it shows your tolerance and rationality, bringing people closer.
- Concise and powerful arguments beat lengthy and complex ones.
Too many arguments often cause resistance or irritation. Present your most persuasive points first and gradually lead others to understand your position.
- Enhance free choice and respect others’ autonomy.
Sometimes people resist debate not due to ignorance but fear of losing choice. Remind them that adopting views is voluntary; respecting autonomy reduces defensiveness.
- Pay attention to emotional responses during dialogue and adjust accordingly.
When conversations get emotional, express your feelings and ask about theirs, helping both return to rational discussion — a sign of mature communication.
Group Level: Building an Open and Diverse Discussion Atmosphere
- Complicate controversial topics; reject simplistic binary thinking.
Reality is far more complex than black and white. Learning to see issues through multifaceted lenses and understanding gray areas helps groups maintain openness and reduce extreme polarization.
- Face warnings and surprises openly; be honest about conflicts and disagreements.
Acknowledging the legitimacy of different views and the conflicts they cause isn’t a weakness but boosts trust and stimulates audience curiosity and engagement.
- Expand emotional expression; accept complex feelings.
Productive discussions don’t eliminate negative emotions but learn to coexist with curiosity, confusion, and contradictions, making conversations more authentic and profound.
- Hold regular family dinner discussions to cultivate critical thinking.
Choose a topic weekly and encourage family members to lead discussions in turn, helping children develop habits of reflection and reassessment from a young age, laying a solid foundation for future learning and life.
- Encourage children to create multiple versions of their work and seek feedback actively.
Guide kids to experience the process of revision and improvement, nurturing a mindset that accepts imperfection, dares to try, and continuously improves.
- Avoid defining children’s futures with a single identity.
A single career goal limits growth space. Help them explore diverse possibilities so they understand they can be multifaceted people, not fixed roles.
- Discard the “best practice” myth; pursue continuous optimization.
Best practices often become traps of rigid thinking. Encourage teams and individuals to focus on process improvement, experimentation, and innovation — keys to ongoing progress.
- Create psychological safety; leaders lead by example.
In learning organizations, members dare to question and challenge without fear of mistakes. Leaders demonstrate humility and openness, creating an inclusive atmosphere — this is core to achieving this goal.
- Use a rethinking scorecard to measure process as well as results.
Evaluate not only outcomes but also the depth of thinking behind decisions. Good processes, even if temporarily failing, are accumulations of wisdom and growth.
- Abandon outdated ten-year plans; embrace flexible planning.
Interests and passions change over time. Leave room for flexibility and chances to reassess and adjust direction, making life more vibrant.
- Focus on action changes rather than blindly changing environments.
Changing environments is not a magic solution to happiness. Active efforts, improving learning ability, and contributing to society are key to lasting satisfaction.
- Conduct regular “life checkups” to assess mental growth.
Like physical checkups, reflect on personal growth and goal adjustment annually, helping maintain clear self-awareness and sustained motivation.
- Set aside dedicated time for deep thinking and a beginner’s mind.
Make time amid busy schedules not only to reflect on past and future but also to engage with friends who challenge you, gaining new perspectives and inspiration. Even small daily details — like re-examining the pronunciation of a word — can spark deep reflection.
In this era full of uncertainty, rethinking is not only an intellectual challenge but a life essential. By learning to continually question, open up, and adjust ourselves, we can find a path truly belonging to us in a complex world. I hope these suggestions help you reexamine life, unlock more potential, and welcome a better future.