A beginner's mindset (known by the Zen Buddhist term shoshin) is the practice of approaching a subject or task with the same openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions as a true beginner would; setting aside your past knowledge, experiences, and judgments to see things with a fresh perspective.
Why?
It encourages a powerful combination of curiosity and humility. By letting go of preconceptions and past experiences, you become more open to new ideas and less afraid to take risks and make mistakes. This shift from "expert" to "student" allows you to remain adaptable, accelerate your growth, and find creative solutions you might have otherwise overlooked.
You know it’s working when:
You find novel solutions to old problems
You’re more receptive to new information and different perspectives
You see setbacks as a learning experience rather than a personal failure
