I don’t want to consider myself an authority.
I mean, yeah, I’ve spent time learning, practicing, and sharing what I know – but still, I don’t want that label. It feels… limiting.
Recently, I came across this Japanese word – Shoshin. It means Beginner’s Mindset. I even made a post about it on LinkedIn.
It’s such a simple idea, but it hit me hard.
Basically, it’s about approaching things with the openness and curiosity of a beginner. No matter how much you know, you stay teachable.
And honestly, I think it’s super important – especially if you’re someone who’s hungry for knowledge. Which I totally am.
The thing is, when you start seeing yourself as an expert or authority in a field, it kind of blocks you. You stop exploring new ideas, new methods, new perspectives.
There’s this subtle pride that creeps in. It whispers, “You already know this. You don’t need to listen.”
That was me. Still is, sometimes.
I catch myself doing it – especially when it comes to marketing, blogging, social media. I get this feeling like, “I’ve got this figured out.” And then I don’t want to hear how someone else does it differently.
But then I remember Shoshin.
Just that one word helps me shake off the expert mindset. It reminds me to stay open, stay curious.
I don’t want to be a thought leader. Or an expert. Or someone who’s always right.
I just want to be someone who shares what he knows, expresses his thoughts clearly, and gets told, “You’re wrong,” when he is.
Because that’s how I learn. That’s how I grow.
And that’s how I stay aware that I’m not the most knowledgeable person in this niche – or any niche, really.
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