Don’t let routine prevent you from making good decisions  

Experience doesn’t necessarily predict success

The fact that you have experience isn’t always a guarantee of success. On the contrary. Sometimes, experience creates blind spots, as you tend to apply your intuition to new opportunities. That doesn’t always lead to the best solutions, unfortunately. Once a habit becomes established, our brains stop working. That can make it harder for us to receive new information and involve others in decisions. Adopting young talents’ mindset can be a good way to avoid this issue. 

From backpacker to settler

The ‘rookie smart’ mindset is characterised by four modes of behaviour: 

1. Backpacker: has nothing to lose and travels the world unencumbered by baggage. Has the space and freedom to explore new opportunities (and places).
2. Hunter-gatherer: stays aware of their surroundings and accepts others’ advice. 
3. Firewalker: makes small, well-considered moves, acts fast and relies on constant feedback to keep them on the right path. 
4. Pioneer: explores unfamiliar and awkward territory, improvises and works tirelessly.  

Alternatively, other modes of behaviour can hinder new perspectives: 

1. Keeper: relies on earlier successes and approaches to maintain the status quo. 
2. Local guide: knows their environment well, isn’t looking for new information, sticks with what’s known and provides advice. 
3. Marathon runner: believes in their own capabilities and maintains a steady pace. Takes decisions on autopilot, without involving others. 
4. Settler: stays firmly in their comfort zone, adhering to processes and approaches that have proved their worth. 

Check whether you’re stuck in a rut

Are you still open to learning, or are you unconsciously seeking out your comfort zone under certain conditions? If the latter applies, deliberately look for situations where you won’t be able to rely on your experience. Often, this will force you to reconsider your decisions and start acting like a rookie.  

Learn something new every day

If you look for new insights and situations daily, this will eventually improve your job satisfaction. Once you’ve established such practices, you will be a rookie for life, eager to tackle new challenges. You’ll also stay aware of all the latest trends, a nice additional benefit. 

Experience can be both good and bad

While experience helps you get your daily tasks done, it may prevent you from getting the most out of certain situations. It’s a double-edged sword. Leaving a comfort zone can feel like a risk, but also be more gratifying for the same reason. By taking the occasional risk and assuming a ‘rookie smart’ mindset, you force yourself to think and act like a novice.  

Once you’ve embraced this mindset, you’ll stay a rookie forever. Allowing you to make better choices.