The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don't

APPRECIATE THE EMOTIONAL REWARDS OF SCOUT MINDSET

scout mindset is emotionally rewarding. It’s empowering to be able to resist the temptation to self-deceive, and to know that you can face reality even when it’s unpleasant. There’s an equanimity that results from understanding risk and coming to terms with the odds you’re facing. And there’s a refreshing lightness in the feeling of being free to e

our judgment isn’t limited by knowledge nearly as much as it’s limited by attitude.

Scout mindset is what allows you to recognize when you are wrong, to seek out your blind spots, to test your assumptions and change course. It’s what prompts you to honestly ask yourself questions like “Was I at fault in that argument?” or “Is this risk worth it?” or “How would I react if someone from the other political party did the same thing?”

When you think of someone with excellent judgment, what traits come to mind? Maybe you think of things like intelligence, cleverness, courage, or patience. Those are all admirable virtues, but there’s one trait that belongs at the top of the list that is so overlooked, it doesn’t even have an official name. So I’ve given it one. I call it scout min

REALIZE THAT TRUTH ISN’T IN CONFLICT WITH YOUR OTHER GOALS Many people actively resist viewing reality accurately because they believe that accuracy is a hindrance to their goals—that if they want to be happy, successful, and influential, it’s better to view themselves and the world through a distorted lens.

LEARN TOOLS THAT MAKE IT EASIER TO SEE CLEARLY