How do we know that we don’t know?

One great way to discover if you know or don’t know is by NOT talking and listening to others around you.

Often times, we’re quick to speak because we think we know or we have some information, but maybe we don’t have all the pieces.

I’ve found myself speaking up sooner than I should only because I believe I have some knowledge. That’s the time when I need to close my mouth and just listen.

Then later I can gather that information on my own before opening my big trap again.

No doubt, knowledge is power, but a person who thinks he/she knows but doesn’t, is just a fool.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be no fool.

When I’m able to define exactly what I’m going to focus on, then engage. I’m much more proficient.

In addition, I like to spell out for myself what I need not waste my time focusing on as well. I think it’s important to define – and write down or say out loud – things that we shouldn’t focus on, such as the things that are out of our control or negative people or distractions that take me away from my goals.

My point is this: I can’t get enough clarity or preparation in my life in order to be the best version of myself. And if that entails spelling out what I cannot control in my day and reminding myself out loud in order to stay on task, then so be it.

I’m all about using whatever resources I have and are availible to me in order to be a better version of myself than I was the day before.

Sam Harris has suggested to take the same approach as when we’re meditating to other activities. Such as a walk, while driving or washing the dishes at the sink.

His suggestion is to be aware of what you are feeling, smelling, sensing – by taking an inventory of what’s going on in your body and being present in the moment. How does the pavement feel under my feet? what does the wind feel like while it’s blowing the hair on my arms? Is the water warm on my hands as I feel the texture of the sponge on my fingers?

We can all benefit from taking a more careful notice of what we’re experiencing in the moment in our world.

Why does it seem like it’s more challenging to get out of bed on Monday morning than Friday morning.

Is there something in the air that we breathe in on the weekends that’s different than weekdays? Why do we feel more energetic as well? Can the difference in the way we view the world really come down to our perspective?

The answer is, yes.

We have 100% control of what we choose to focus on and where to rest our thoughts. No one or no thing has command of this except for us.

Let’s make every day a Friday attitude sort of day.

Just because we’ve been doing things a certain way for years, doesn’t always mean it’s the best way.

As I’m sure a very wise person has said, “would you rather be right or learn, grow and evolve.” Many will answer “I’d rather be right.” As we know, that’s their ego, but we won’t get far taking that perspective.

As hard as it might be, opening ourselves up to new and different perspectives and approaches is such a great way to become a better version of ourselves. But, we have to let go of beliefs and ideals we’ve been holding on for years. That can certainly be quite a challenge for many of us.

But, I think in the end if we can find a way to do it, we will most certainly be better off in the long run.