You're Wrong
If you’re like me, being told we’re wrong can sometimes feel like a swift punch to the gut. An instant surge of defensiveness sets in.
Your jaw clenches. Your muscles tense. A knot forms in your stomach.
The instinct to push back is almost reflexive.
No one likes to be wrong.
It's a shot to the ego.
Whether it comes from our spouse, our pre-teen kid (along with an eye roll), a colleague or some rando on the internet, being challenged can be a hard pill to swallow.
Deep down in the depths of our psyche, admitting we were wrong feels almost like a threat to the carefully crafted identity we present to the world—like we're exposing a crack in our "I've got it all together" facade.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” ― Socrates
The truth is no one has it all figured out. Perfection is a myth. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there will always be something to learn. There will always be mistakes to be made.
I know what you’re thinking.
I already know this.
I have no issue admitting I’m wrong.
I’ve adopted the mindset of a lifelong learner.
I’ve embraced humility and collaboration as a leader.
I get it. I’m right there with you.
But the truth is we’re complicated. We can be all of these things, and still, none of us are immune to the desire to armor up and wage battle against those who dare to question us.
How many times has a fight with your partner escalated because neither one of you were willing to admit you were wrong?
How many times have you decided not to speak up because you were afraid of saying the wrong thing?
How many times have you waged a silent battle inside your mind when someone challenges your carefully held worldviews?
We all have moments when we don’t like being challenged. When we are afraid of being wrong. When our ego gets the better of us.
It happens to everyone. Even the most humble among us struggle with this discomfort.
Ok, so what?
Well, my fellow entrepreneur...
At its core, entrepreneurship is inextricably linked with a willingness to be wrong. It's a journey where risk isn't just what we accept; it's our guiding star.
Every decision, every idea, and every pivot comes with an inherent risk of being wrong.
Entrepreneurship is a dance between pride and humility, a delicate negotiation of our self-perception and the acknowledgment of our fallibility.
Far from being a sign of incompetence, being wrong isn’t a barrier to success but more of a bridge—a connection to greater wisdom and understanding.
As entrepreneurs we don’t need to be purveyors of ultimate truths but rather seekers—creating and allowing for experimentation and the refinement of our ideas.
On this crazy, roller coaster ride of building and creating, it’s ok to say I don't have all the answers, and I'm okay with that.
In fact, it’s essential for our success.
"Fear of being wrong is the greatest enemy of creativity and innovation." - Ken Robinson
To be an entrepreneur means a willingness to embrace a state of not knowing. It means that we will sometimes make the wrong decisions. It means we have to be comfortable with uncertainty.
I don't want get this wrong.
I don't want to make the wrong decisions.
But I have realized, that I have to.
It's part of the process.
So from now on, I’m going to try and be wrong as often as I possibly can on this journey.
And when it happens, I’m going to approach the situation with curiosity instead of judgement. I’m going to look at it as a stepping stone on the path to success.
I’m going to lean into what I don’t know. I’m going to run toward the things I’m not (yet) good at.
I’m going to seek opportunities to be wrong.
This is the way.
Care to join me?