Thinking again
If you've spent any time in Maine maybe you know the rosa rugosa, the beach rose, widespread at places like Reid State Park. When I think of the beach in Maine, I think of that distinct rose fragrance. I love the blossoms, the rose hips, even the leaves. It's an iconic piece of this beautiful state. Or so I thought. Turns out rosa rugosa is an invasive species, and not a part of Maine that's "always been here." I had to think again about a favorite aspect of what I thought to be quintessential Maine.
A highlight of my summer reading this year was "Think Again" by Wharton professor and organizational psychologist Adam Grant. Well-written, compelling, and interesting, this book is a critical read for our times, because we sometimes forget that evolution of thought not confirmation of thought should be the outcome of learning, to paraphrase Professor Grant. He recognizes the importance of keeping a growth mindset and staying curious: "If you find yourself saying ___ is always good or ___is never bad, you may be a member of an idea cult. Appreciating complexity reminds us that no behavior is always effective and that all cures have unintended consequences." (p.177)
Which leads to a related idea from an equally thoughtful teacher: Yale psychology professor and The Happiness Lab podcaster Laurie Santos. Dr. Santos challenges the notion that our intuition always leads to happier outcomes. "We have strong intuitions about the things that will make us happy, and we use those intuitions to go after that stuff... But the science shows a lot of those intuitions are deeply misguided. That’s why we get it wrong." I know I'm guilty of thinking that "going with your gut" is always the right thing to do, and I've nodded in agreement when others have said their intuition led them to a particular decision.
How does all this relate to job searches? Just as we may have fixed ideas about politics or people, we may have fixed ideas about the right career for us or the right place for us to work. We may have an intuition that something (more money?) will make us happier. Sometimes these ideas are based in reality, but other times, not so much. In our job searches, it's important to keep a growth mindset and to stay curious. That's why I always encourage clients to do the interview, talk to the referral you've been given, gather more information. Talk with others who have different perspectives and experiences. Equally important is understanding that sometimes more money/prestige/you-name-it isn't the key to happiness. Clarifying our values and pausing to think twice at our choices in a job search may lead to happier outcomes.
