The power of “I don’t know.”

Some things, you know. Others, you don’t. It’s a simple fact.

Ever been around a person who seems to have an answer to everything? Or maybe they’re ever-so confident in nearly everything they say? After a while, you begin to realize that they don’t necessarily know everything, they just have a hard time admitting when they don’t have an answer. This is the point where their humility is lost and credibility wanes.

Humility: The Fourth Pillar of Memento Mori

hu•mil•i•ty
noun
• freedom of pride or arrogance
• the quality or state of being humble

You’ve got to be humble enough to admit when you just don’t have the answer.

This is your power move. This is where you learn to utilize the power of “I don’t know.”

Realize there are different circumstances in which you’ll be confronted with the realization that you don’t have the answer. Is it your child asking a difficult question? Is it a subordinate presenting you with something you feel you should know? Is it catching you by surprise, or did you see it coming? And what are the repercussions of those individuals realizing, “Nah, man. This guy’s full of shit.”

That’s why this is a crucial moment—because how you respond can and will result in how the other individuals perceive you. Look, people can tell body language, they can read bullshit, and bullshitters will always be ousted. Do you want to be known as the man who’s trying (but failing) to back up his claim, or as the man who is humble enough to say, “I’m not sure, but now I’ve got some homework to do.”

This humanizes you. Everything we see these days, primarily on social media, is a highlight reel. Everyone looks perfect. Everything you see looks perfect. But the reality is that the world is far from it. You are, I am, and everybody else. By humanizing yourself, you’re not only presenting yourself as a humbler individual—you’re awakening others to the fact that you’re relatable. That, along with humility, is something that can’t be bought.

Something to ponder:

Do you have more respect for the man who’s humble enough to admit he doesn’t have the answer, or the reckless man who lacks the humility to face the realization that he isn’t perfect. 

I’ll leave that one to you.

Take a moment to reflect on how you handle not having the answer. Some situations are more difficult than others.