This Japanese philosophy teaches us it’s okay to not be an expert at everything

It’s not about pretending to be clueless or denying what you’ve already learned. It’s about choosing curiosity over ego. Presence over performance.

As Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki once said, “In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities; in the expert’s, there are few.”

And maybe that’s the secret: the more you “know,” the more you risk narrowing your view. With Shoshin, you don’t shut out what’s unfamiliar. You lean into it.

Why Shoshin matters in real life

Let’s be honest — most of us are juggling a lot. There’s pressure to keep up, to sound smart, to look like we’ve got it all together. But that pressure can slowly chip away at the joy of learning. It can make us defensive. Closed off. Tired.

Shoshin gently reminds us: you’re allowed to not know. In fact, that’s where all the good stuff begins.

Whether you’re trying something new at work, having a tricky conversation, or just picking up a hobby you abandoned years ago — this mindset helps. It removes the fear of “getting it wrong.” You stop trying to prove yourself and start actually discovering things again.

When you’re not stuck in the role of “expert,” you’re more likely to stay open, adaptable, and less reactive — all of which are useful in our relationships too.

It’s also about resisting the urge to shrink into silence when you feel out of your depth. Shoshin doesn’t make you smaller. It helps you stay rooted in learning — without shame. (Source: Freepik)

What it looks like in practice

Shoshin isn’t a grand lifestyle overhaul. It’s subtle. Small. It looks like…

• Asking questions, even the “obvious” ones
• Pausing before reacting, just to listen fully
• Trying something new without expecting to be perfect
• Admitting when you don’t know something — and staying curious about it

It’s also about resisting the urge to shrink into silence when you feel out of your depth. Shoshin doesn’t make you smaller. It helps you stay rooted in learning — without shame.

And it’s not just about personal growth. Teams that operate with beginner’s mind tend to collaborate better. Leaders who stay curious, rather than assuming they always have the answer, create room for innovation and honesty. In friendships and families, it invites deeper listening, less judgment, and more meaningful connection.

Choosing beginner’s mind in today’s fast world can feel counterintuitive. But maybe that’s why it matters so much. So the next time you feel the urge to “know it all,” consider letting go. Ask the question. Stay curious. Let yourself be a beginner again.