For Change We Need a Beginner's Mind and a Nap

My daughter exploring mud.

After moving apartments twice in one year and packing and unpacking eighty million boxes I’ve learned a few nuggets: 

1. Popping bubble wrap is therapeutic and free

2. Giving things away brings me joy

3. Change is exhausting

As organizations begin to return to the office we all have to get on board with the fact that there is no going back, only moving forward. Pre-pandemic life is over. Even if you plan to sit at your same, now dusty, desk from March 2020 you will be starting over.

You’ll be creating new habits, new routines, new ways of communicating and collaborating with your coworkers - again! Just when we got comfortable typing in our pajamas. (I will not stop wearing slippers no matter my desk location.) 

So let’s give ourselves some grace and understand that our adult brains aren’t wired for the “beginner’s mind.” According to psychologists the open, curious, exploratory mindset comes naturally to children to help them learn. When we grow up we’re encouraged to optimize instead. We become less open to change.

The good news is we can flip the script and learn from children. With a two and half year old at home, I have the privilege of watching her navigate the sometimes muddy world. If you aren’t around kids everyday, have a listen to Ezra’s Klein’s podcast interview with psychologist Alison Gopnik who explains more about our adult thinking and behavior.

So grab some bubble wrap and embrace the new new new normal. Ask why often and stay open-minded to changes big and small. Don’t forget to build in rest time because a beginner’s mind is a tired one. Why do you think children need naps?

What have you found helpful to get prepared for your work / life changes?