Changing your mind is often seen as a weakness. But what if it’s actually the opposite? What if flexibility and the ability to quickly shift direction are the real keys to success – both in working life and in life in general?
When I came across an article on Inc.com about Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, it struck a chord. It confirmed something I’ve believed in for years – and which has been the foundation for both the name of my blog, Open Mind, and my personal mantra that everything is negotiable.
A skill with great value
In the article, Justin Bariso shares insights he’s gained from Steve Jobs and Tim Cook about the importance of having an open mind and being willing to change your opinion. Tim Cook was impressed early on by Jobs’ ability to quickly revise his viewpoints when presented with new evidence. This ability, which Cook believes few people possess, is a key element of emotional intelligence – the capacity to understand and manage both your own and others’ emotions.
Bariso emphasizes how this trait can lead to better decision-making, both professionally and personally. He encourages readers to cultivate an open mindset – one that is willing to listen, question assumptions, and revise one’s beliefs. Psychologist Adam Grant describes this as “thinking like a scientist” – actively looking for reasons why you might be wrong, rather than just collecting evidence to prove you’re right.
The article is well worth reading and can be found here: Steve Jobs Taught Tim Cook a Brilliant Skill That ‘Few People Have.’ It’s a Lesson in Emotional Intelligence.
Why it resonated with me
The name Open Mind says a lot about who I am. I’ve always had a curious and flexible mindset – open to new ideas and perspectives. For me, there was never a box to think outside of, because the box never existed to begin with. This way of seeing the world allows for creative and unrestricted thinking.
It also defines how I approach negotiation. When I say “everything is negotiable,” I mean that most conditions – whether in work, relationships, or everyday situations – can be adjusted through conversation and compromise. With an open mind, the possibilities are endless. I truly believe that flexibility and creativity are the keys to finding the best solutions for everyone involved.
I remember one project where I had landed on a clear decision – until a colleague asked one simple question that changed the entire premise. Instead of clinging to pride or being “right,” I stepped back. We quickly found a much better solution for everyone – simply because I allowed myself to change my mind.
That’s also one of the main reasons I could never be involved in party politics. In a world where circumstances change almost daily, it’s hard to commit to political programs and ideologies that are decided years in advance. I’d probably have to jump from party to party all the time – and I doubt that would go over well. Hehe.
When principles cost more than insight
Changing your mind isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength – and perhaps one of the most underrated and misunderstood traits of our time. Many see it as a sign of lack of integrity, or that you’re just following others or don’t know what you want. But to me, it’s quite the opposite: it shows openness, the ability to connect new insights, and the willingness to constantly adjust in the direction of something bigger than yourself.
It’s about being willing to learn, recognizing that the world changes, and accepting that the premises you based your decisions on may no longer apply. Sticking to a decision even when new facts suggest a better alternative isn’t strength. It’s stubbornness disguised as principle.
A great example is the NATO facility on Hærøya in Northern Norway. It was built at a cost of nearly half a billion Norwegian kroner – and was officially shut down just 105 minutes after becoming operational. Even before it was completed, it was clear that the need for it was gone and the technology was outdated. But the decision had already been made, so construction continued anyway. The result? A brand-new military facility that was never used – now standing as a monument to how costly it can be not to change course when needed.
Also read my article on why admitting mistakes is a sign of strength.
What about you?
Have you ever experienced that changing your mind led to a better solution – or a greater insight? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Maybe we can inspire one another.
Summary: A philosophy in practice
This article confirms something I’ve believed for a long time: having an open mind isn’t just a valuable quality – it’s a skill that can be developed. Steve Jobs’ ability to change direction in light of new evidence is a great example of how flexibility and emotional intelligence can fuel both personal and professional growth.
Tim Cook describes this as a rare skill, but one that makes a huge difference – in leadership, in problem-solving, and in collaboration. Being willing to challenge your own beliefs and embrace new ideas is fundamental for innovation, teamwork, and personal development.
For me, this was both a confirmation and a reminder. In a world that constantly evolves, perhaps the most important skill we can develop is the ability to think like a scientist – to ask questions, embrace uncertainty, and revise our own assumptions.
Maybe it’s time we stop fearing being wrong – and start practicing the art of changing our minds.
What decision in your life might have turned out differently if you had been just a little more open to being wrong? Feel free to share – we might all learn something from it.
