Why You Need To Rethink What You Believe

By Nick Kellar

Nick Kellar is a dedicated real estate consultant, investor, and community steward serving Baltimore and the surrounding areas.

When was the last time you asked yourself, “What if I’m wrong?” Most of us don’t enjoy that feeling. But what if being open to rethinking wasn’t a weakness, but a real strength?

I just finished reading Think Again by Adam Grant, and it completely shifted my mindset. I realized I’d been holding on tightly to my ideas, as if they defined who I was. But Grant talks about something called “confident humility.” That’s the idea that you can believe in what you know while still being open to changing your mind when it makes sense. That hit me hard, and here’s what I took away from it.

1. Adopt a scientific mindset. Is what you believe falsifiable, like is there a chance it could be wrong? Treat your beliefs like hypotheses. ** ** Instead of seeing your beliefs as final, view them as working theories. Ask yourself, “Is there a chance I could be wrong?” Stay open to new evidence. You don’t need to abandon your views, but be willing to update them when something new shows up.

2. Practice confident humility. You might know a lot, but there’s always more to learn. That doesn’t mean you’re less smart. It makes you wiser. Being confident doesn’t mean being closed off. The strongest people are willing to grow.

3. Your identity is your values, not opinions. When you tie your identity to opinions, you become afraid to change. But if you root yourself in values like honesty, kindness, or curiosity, you stay open without losing who you are. It also helps you connect with others, even when their opinions are different from yours.

4. Challenge your assumptions. It’s easy to assume the worst. Someone cuts you off in traffic and you think, “What a jerk.” But what if they just got an emergency call? Life is full of facts and the stories we tell ourselves. Don’t confuse the two. Stay curious. Ask yourself, “What else could be true?”

5. Embrace the uncertainty. We like to keep things simple, right or wrong, yes or no. But, most of life happens in the middle. When you accept that, you become more open, creative, and less stressed. Conversations get better. Relationships grow. Ideas start to flow.

Since letting go of the need to always be right, I’ve noticed big changes in my life and work. I’m having better conversations. I feel more connected. I’ve even started enjoying challenges because they push me to think deeper. Next time you feel defensive about a belief, pause. Ask yourself, “Could there be more to the story?” Remember: Rethinking isn’t about doubting yourself. It’s about growing into who you’re meant to be.

If you’re ready to think differently about life or business, I’d love to connect. Call me at 443-375-2224 or email nick@storyline-homes.com. Let’s start a conversation that opens new doors.