Think like a Writer

 

When politicians change their minds, they get a reputation as a“flip-flopper.” However, if we think like a scientist, shouldn’t we change our minds when we see new evidence?

Research shows that is not what often happens. When Republicans who were against gun control were shown data that gun control was effective, they misinterpreted the data. When Democrats who were for gun control were shown, data that gun control was ineffective, they also misinterpreted the data. So, biases affected both ends of the spectrum.

The research also showed that the more intelligent you were on the subject matter, the more biased you were. We struggle to rethink the situation even though we are constantly reminded how quickly things can change. It is easy for most of us to find things that convince us we are on the right path.

The routines and habits that have made us successful also can become ruts that will not allow us to change. We must think like a writer who starts with a rough draft but makes many changes along the way.

As a teacher, I ask for feedback in every class. This feedback allows me to understand what students want and forces me to rethink the way I teach. At the end of the semester, I review all the feedback sheets and determine what major changes I need to make for the next year.

Teaching allows for a natural break where it makes sense to take time to rethink your craft. I suggest jotting down somewhere on your calendar a day on which you will examine what is important in your life in the same way you would have an annual physical.

The goal is not to be right but to be open to change. The challenge is not to defend our positions but, instead, to be curious about ways to improve.