The beginner's guide to the beginner's mind - the skill of "not knowing a whole lot"
It's far more useful to assume you're ignorant and don't know a whole lot than it is to assume the opposite. Whether it's true or not.
What do you think of this one?
I love it 😊. Read on if you'd like to discover one of the keys for a happy life 😇.
Assuming we know a whole lot has some disadvantages:
Being less open to other points of view and opinions.
Maybe being arrogant.
Maybe feeling superior.
More risk to not really listen to what others have to say, you think you are right anyways.
Remaining stuck in unsolvable arguments as you'd like to stick to what you know.
Experiencing stress and negativity because you have difficulties opening up to other knowledge or insights.
And therefore you are missing out on:
new insights,
better relationships,
more peace of mind,
more personal growing,
accelerated learning,
becoming better,
being a leader,
etc.
You can cultivate the skill of "not knowing a whole lot" by practicing the beginner's mind:
A simple practice in which you throw out (every now and then) your existing knowledge, assumptions and beliefs and you try to engage in a curious way to gain new knowledge, insight or understanding in a certain topic, thing, or person. If you have a boring life, it can take away a lot of the boringness as well.
It's not only fun, it will increase your self-knowledge as well because you are confronting your existing beliefs. And that confrontation is pure gold. Because once you really understand that you constantly operate in a framework of your beliefs, of how you see the world, you create an amazing opening for more happiness in your life.
That is when you might realize that you don't need to hold on to those beliefs that make you feel bad. They are just beliefs. Creating flexibility in your belief system is the secret to more happiness.
Have you heard of the beginner's mind? And do you practice it sometimes?
Guided meditation (in Dutch)
Herewith a guided meditation to practice your beginner’s mind.
Here’s some extra tips to develop the beginner’s mind and to strengthen your curiosity muscle.
How to Develop a Beginner’s Mindset and Deep Curiosity
🔸 Practice Asking, Not Telling
Build the habit of asking open-ended questions instead of giving advice or answers.
👉 Instead of: “Have you thought about doing X?”
Try: “What options do you see?”
🔸 Use the “What Else?” Technique
Stay in curiosity longer by asking “What else?” after each response.
This simple question trains your mind to go beyond the obvious.
🔸 Self-Check: “Am I truly curious right now?”
Pause during conversations and ask yourself this quick internal question.
If the answer is “no,” gently bring yourself back to curiosity.
🔸 Play with Not Knowing
Treat conversations like discovery journeys, not problem-solving missions.
Say to yourself: “I don’t need to know—I’m here to explore with them.”
🔸 Mindfulness Practice
Even 5 minutes of mindfulness before a coaching conversation can help you be more present and curious.
It helps reduce internal noise (judgment, assumptions, planning your reply).
🔸 Use the “Fresh Eyes” Technique
Imagine you’re meeting your colleague for the very first time—every time.
Ask yourself: “If I didn’t know anything about this person or their story, what would I want to understand?”
🔸 Stay Humble and Playful
Curiosity thrives in a mindset of humility and lightness.
You don’t have to be serious to be insightful—a playful attitude often invites deeper connection and surprising insights.
To a life in which we can shift our beliefs so we can become the happiest versions of ourselves 🥂.
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Jan Aquarius - Live. Grow. Matter.
Your happiness, my mission.
