Strong Convictions, Loosely Held
Have you ever been so convinced you're right that you couldn't see a better solution right in front of you?
As a college intern, I was tasked with finding the perfect JavaScript tool for selecting dates. Eager to prove myself, I dove in and quickly advocated for a framework I thought was ideal. I pushed hard for it, believing that my choice was the best.
When a more experienced coworker suggested a more robust library to suit our needs better, I dismissed the idea outright. My determination to make an impact had closed my eyes to other possibilities.
It wasn't until a mentor noticed my frustration and pulled me aside that I began to see what I was missing. He introduced me to the phrase "Strong Convictions, Loosely Held," which I have used for almost 15 years.
What Does 'Strong Convictions, Loosely Held' Mean?
At its core, "strong convictions, loosely held" balances confidence with openness. It means advocating passionately for your ideas and solutions based on the information you have while remaining willing to adjust your stance when new evidence or perspectives emerge.
This mindset encourages decisive action without the rigidity that can hinder growth and collaboration. It's about being strong in your beliefs but flexible enough to embrace change, leading to better decisions and outcomes.
Applying Your Convictions in Software Development
My mentor's lesson became a cornerstone of my career. In software development, there's rarely one "right" solution; challenges can be tackled with various frameworks, languages, or architectures. While strong convictions drive innovation, ignoring alternative ideas may cause us to miss better options.
Imagine a team choosing a technology stack. One developer champions a cutting-edge framework, while another prefers an established technology with solid support. If both remain inflexible, the team faces conflict and delays.
By embracing "strong convictions, loosely held," developers confidently share ideas yet stay open to others. This mindset fosters healthy discussions, uncovers the best solutions, and creates a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued.
Being open to new ideas doesn't mean abandoning expertise. It means recognizing that flexibility is as critical as experience. This approach leads to better outcomes and strengthens teamwork.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Embracing "strong convictions, loosely held" is closely tied to adopting a growth mindset—the belief that our abilities and understanding can improve with effort and openness.
Technologies evolve, new frameworks emerge, and best practices shift over time. Staying adaptable is critical for growth.
We allow ourselves to learn and continue to grow by being open to new ideas. Here are some practical ways to cultivate this mindset:
- Seek Feedback: Regularly invite input from colleagues and be willing to reconsider your viewpoints based on their insights.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay curious about emerging technologies and methodologies. Attend workshops, read articles, and engage in discussions.
- Reflect on Mistakes: View errors not as failures but as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and how you can improve.
- Encourage Diverse Perspectives: Collaborate with people who have different experiences and expertise. Diverse teams often produce more innovative solutions.
Becoming more flexible helps us become more resilient and better equipped to handle the changing landscape of software. We shift from defending our ideas to discovering the best ideas, leading to personal development and more effective teamwork.
Embracing the philosophy of "strong convictions, loosely held" enables us to discover opportunities and solutions we might otherwise overlook. By confidently sharing our ideas yet remaining open to new information, we enhance our problem-solving abilities and foster a collaborative spirit within our teams.
As you navigate your career in software development—or any field—consider where you might be holding onto ideas too tightly. Are there moments when being more receptive could lead to better outcomes? By adopting this mindset, you contribute more to projects and accelerate professional growth.