“When you are green, you grow; when you are ripe, you rot,” my great-grandmother used to say. As a child, I puzzled over her words, picturing the hard, sour green apples from the trees in her yard. Why, I wondered, would anyone choose a green apple over a ripe, juicy one from the store? It wasn’t until years later that I realized her wisdom extended far beyond apples. She was teaching me the value of perpetual growth and learning, a journey that brings joy and fulfillment.
As we mature, the struggle to maintain a learner’s mindset becomes more evident. The innocence and enthusiasm of childhood gradually give way to a fixation on efficiency, predictability, and achieving predetermined outcomes. In this transition, we often sacrifice our creativity on the altar of certainty, convinced that this is the only path to success. With over 25 years of experience in facilitating change and teaching adults, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this shift can smother our natural curiosity and creativity, leaving us stagnant and unfulfilled.
By the age of nine, many of us start to prioritize getting things right and finding satisfaction in task completion rather than in the joy of learning itself. This fixation on correctness over exploration can hinder personal and professional growth, making us resistant to new ideas and experiences.
To counter this, we need to nurture a few essential practices:
- Cultivate Curiosity: Think back to when the world was a place of wonder. By continuously asking questions and seeking to understand rather than judge, we keep our minds open to new possibilities. This curiosity fuels personal growth and drives innovation in our professional lives.
- Embrace Iteration Over Perfection: Instead of fearing failure, see it as an opportunity to iterate and improve. When something doesn’t work out, it’s not a dead end but a chance to adjust and try again. This iterative process is the bedrock of wisdom and expertise. Each misstep teaches us more than immediate success ever could, fostering resilience and a deeper understanding of our goals. It’s a process that empowers us to grow and succeed.
- Embrace the Adventure of Trying New Things: Challenge yourself to explore something different every day. It doesn’t have to be a monumental change—a new route home, a different way of mowing the lawn, a novel song, or food. These small, daily adventures can significantly expand your horizons. The more you seek to experience, the more your curiosity will grow, fueling a lifelong passion for learning and personal growth.
- Stay Humble: Remember, no matter how much you know, there is always more to learn. Humility keeps you receptive to new ideas and willing to adjust your beliefs. This openness is crucial for continual growth and prevents the stagnation that comes from thinking you have all the answers.
- Seek Diverse Perspectives: Engaging with various viewpoints enhances understanding and problem-solving skills. It encourages critical thinking and creativity, leading to richer learning experiences and innovative solutions. It’s a practice that fosters an open mind and inclusivity, making us better learners and contributors to our communities.
By adopting these practices, we can maintain a beginner’s mind and stay “green” throughout our lives. This mindset equips us to adapt to an ever-changing world and brings a more profound sense of fulfillment and joy from continuous growth and discovery.
My great-grandmother’s wisdom reminds us that staying “green” isn’t about immaturity but embracing lifelong learning and growth. When we cultivate a beginner’s mind, we remain open, curious, and resilient, continually evolving and enriching our lives with new knowledge and experiences. Let us strive to stay green and growing; in doing so, we unlock the true essence of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Reflection Question
Where In My Life Can I Introduce More Novelty into My Daily Routine?
Reflect On: Identify areas in your life that have become routine or predictable. Think about small, manageable changes you could make to introduce novelty. This could be trying a new type of food, engaging in a different form of exercise, or exploring a new hobby.
Why: Introducing novelty into your daily life can enhance creativity, expand your perspectives, and keep your mind flexible and open to learning.