Embracing Recalibration – The Art of Learning and Evolving
Welcome back!
Have you ever been absolutely sure of something, only to later discover that your certainty wasn’t quite right? Perhaps it was something simple, like believing that chameleons change colour to blend into their surroundings (turns out, they change colour primarily to regulate their body temperature or communicate with other chameleons). Or maybe it was something more impactful, like thinking we lose most of our body heat through our heads.
Consider the many beliefs that people once held as true, only to realize later, with more information, that they were mistaken, such as:
The Earth is the centre of the universe.
Girls are inherently worse at math.
The food pyramid is the ultimate guide to good health.
Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the smallest particles of matter.
Realizing that we got it wrong or our information is outdated doesn’t make us bad – it makes us human. In fact, when we can keep ourselves open to learning more and adjusting our point of view based on new information, it doesn’t undermine our credibility; it enhances it. As Adam Grant wisely said, “Recognizing moments of bad judgment is a step toward demonstrating good judgment.”
Certainty makes us feel safe, but history has shown that our understanding of the world is constantly evolving. As we gain more experience, explore new ideas, and learn from research, our beliefs and understanding are bound to shift. Instead of doubling down on what we once thought we knew, can we stay open to the idea of recalibrating? And can we extend the same grace to others? Releasing old beliefs to embrace new ones is challenging, but it’s a necessary part of growth. We may need to grieve parts of ourselves or our past beliefs, but in allowing ourselves to recalibrate, we also allow ourselves to grow. This process helps us check in with ourselves and make sure we’re making decisions with the most up-to-date information about ourselves and the type of person we want to be, so we can live in better alignment with our true selves and the world as it evolves.
Recalibrating doesn’t mean our previous decisions were wrong—we made those choices based on the best information we had at the time. Admitting that we don’t know everything gives us the flexibility to adjust as we go, a crucial element in any personal growth journey.
If you’re wondering where to start with your own recalibration, here are a few steps that I find helpful:
Slow down: When we’re on autopilot, we’re more likely to operate based on the status quo, making it less likely that we’ll explore areas that could benefit from adjustment.
Get curious: Ask yourself where the belief in question came from. Is it possible that it’s no longer serving you as well as it once did?
Detach your sense of worth from being right: When we release the need to always be right, we give ourselves the grace to explore, experiment, and even make mistakes in the name of growth.
Recalibration isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous process. As we continue to grow, learn, and encounter new information, it’s essential to remain flexible and open to change. Our progress—whether personal or societal—depends on our willingness to evolve. The journey doesn’t end here; there’s always more to discover, more to understand, and more opportunities to align ourselves with the ever-unfolding truths of life.
Remember, recalibration is not a sign of failure but a testament to our willingness to grow and evolve. By allowing ourself the flexibility to adjust our beliefs and actions, we open the door to greater self-awareness and deeper personal fulfillment.
So, let’s embrace this dynamic journey of recalibration, knowing that with each adjustment, we’re aligning ourselves more closely with our true selves and the world as it continues to unfold.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Christina
