From Self-doubt to creating a cloud of happiness

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From High Horse to Teachable Spirit: Embracing Growth and Learning

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Sit tight, here comes the story:


Cultivating a teachable spirit starts with humility, something I was reminded of through a simple yet powerful lesson from my kids. The other day, my husband and I were talking to our kids about the importance of staying humble as a way to cultivate a teachable spirit. The conversation came after my husband got frustrated trying to explain a math problem to our daughter, who kept insisting, “I already know this.” It also followed our son’s reaction after winning a soccer tournament, complaining that the referee was terrible and claiming his team, despite leading the league, could have scored more goals if not for the "incompetent referee."


As Gen Alpha grows up in a tech-savvy world, they challenge the status quo with fresh perspectives and constant curiosity. This presents an important reminder for us adults: if we are to foster a teachable spirit in them, we must first embrace the value of continuous learning ourselves, remembering that our curiosity shouldn’t stop just because we “know better.”


My husband and I are committed to fostering in our kids a passion for learning. In a world evolving at an unprecedented pace, continuous learning is not just an advantage but a necessity for personal and professional growth. And that’s what today’s post is about: embracing continuous learning as a way to step down from our high horse and stay open to growth


Let’s talk about this:

To cultivate a teachable spirit, we need to let go of the mindset that “I already know everything” and embrace the new by nurturing our curiosity and becoming comfortable with stepping outside our comfort zones . 

Continuous learning builds adaptability. As industries, technologies, and societal expectations evolve, a mindset of learning enables us to respond effectively and remain relevant. Five years ago, if someone had asked whether I’d invest in a chatbot (and many people did), my answer was, “No, I believe in human interaction, and the technology isn’t good enough to build genuine connections with our customers.”

Fast forward to today, and I find myself diving deeply into topics like AI, automation, machine learning, and large language models. Why? Because resisting change would make me irrelevant, and my purpose of making a meaningful impact on people’s lives would lose its significance.

Learning new skills keeps our knowledge fresh, enhances our abilities, and makes us more competitive. I’ve had to rethink my approach to technology in the CX industry, letting go of my biases while staying true to my core values. For example, while I now see the tremendous potential of AI in customer experience, I firmly believe it must be integrated with EI (Emotional Intelligence) and CI (Cultural Intelligence).

AI can handle mundane, transactional tasks, but our human network must be empowered, trained, and coached to address complex problems while authentically connecting with customers and supporting them in resolving their issues. Balancing technology with human touch is not just the future of CX, it’s the key to sustaining meaningful relationships and driving impactful results.

Whether through formal education, online courses, or informal skill-building, continuous learning can set you apart for job promotions, leadership opportunities, or even a career pivot. With so many free resources readily available today (some listed below), there’s no excuse not to invest in expanding our skill set, challenging our current thought processes, and pursuing personal and professional growth. How do we bring back the joy for learning we used to have when we were kids?


Take, for example, my four-year-old son Mateo, who began TK (transitional kindergarten) in August 2024. Before starting school, he already recognized a few letters thanks to his older sister, Lara, who loves teaching him. During his second week of school, he came home bursting with excitement and asked for a paper and pen. Slowly, he wrote the letters M, A, T, E, and O. When he looked up at me, his face glowed with pride, he had just written his name for the first time.


In the weeks that followed, Mateo eagerly built on his writing skills. Every new word he asked us to spell and managed to write brought that same proud smile to his face. His excitement for learning doesn’t stop there. Whether mastering a new game like Beyblade with his older brother, constructing Lego cars, or replacing the word "fart" with "flatulence," he approaches every skill with genuine joy and curiosity.


My son Mateo’s excitement for learning reminded me of a universal truth: the joy of discovery can reignite our passion for growth, no matter our age. We were all like Mateo when we were young. We were all once excited about learning something new. When did that excitement disappear? 


Carol Dweck, a Stanford professor, conducted groundbreaking research on fixed versus growth mindsets. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can improve through effort and persistence, while a fixed mindset assumes that abilities are static and unchangeable.


I’m all about fostering a growth mindset. Learning introduces us to new perspectives and innovative solutions. It sharpens our critical thinking, boosts creativity, and enhances problem-solving, not just in the workplace, but in our everyday lives.


Recently, I had a conversation with a colleague about feedback I’d provided on a project we were working on. I asked how she felt after reading my suggestions, and she admitted, “I felt ashamed. How did I not think of those things?” Her response caught me off guard. While my intention was to help refine our story and enhance the impact of our work, she initially took my feedback as a judgment of her abilities, which negatively affected her confidence.


What she heard was, "Lu disliked my work because she left so many comments and suggestions," but my intention was to build on her incredible efforts by reshaping the story for greater impact. By following up, I clarified that she’d done an excellent job of integrating data to support her hypotheses, and my feedback was about amplifying the story’s influence and impact, not undermining her expertise.


Initially, she approached the feedback with a fixed mindset, interpreting it as a reflection of her inherent abilities. But as someone actively cultivating a growth mindset, she eventually saw the feedback as a chance to learn and refine her skills. This shift demonstrates the value of separating self-worth from critique and focusing instead on how feedback can drive improvement and achievement.


Continuous learning plays a critical role here, nurturing our belief that intelligence and skills can develop with hard work and perseverance. It strengthens our resilience, boosts productivity, and lays the groundwork for greater success. There are some practical tips for embracing a growth mindset, for instance, by setting small, stretch goals, and seeking feedback regularly.


That said, the biggest enemy of a growth mindset is staying in our comfort zone. Mastering new skills requires stepping into unfamiliar territory, which can feel uncomfortable. In our comfort zones, we are experts in what we know, but the fear of failure, avoidance of challenges, or preference for familiarity often holds us back. True growth lies in embracing discomfort and venturing into new challenges that stretch our capabilities.


How do we fight the fear of leaving the comfort zone? 


We can reframe failure by viewing it as a learning opportunity rather than as a reflection of our abilities. Tackling tasks that feel slightly beyond our comfort zone can stretch our skills and open us to growth. For example, when I decided to start BRAVA, I had no formal education in writing. The process felt terrifying and exposed, knowing my work could be judged and critiqued. But then I remembered advice I once shared with my team: when things are tough, “embrace the suck” and look for ways to improve.


Taking my own advice, I enrolled in writing classes and practiced consistently. I didn’t just study the craft; I also paid close attention to feedback, implementing suggestions to make my posts more impactful and relevant. Over time, the effort of mastering new skills has brought me both confidence and fulfillment. Since starting the blog, I’ve found joy not only in the writing itself but in the conversations it sparks, some posts have even led colleagues to seek advice and share insights.


Cultivating a teachable spirit and a growth mindset is, for me, about celebrating effort over perfection. We often get so focused on results that we overlook the value of persistence and the growth we achieve along the way. By enjoying the process, the results will naturally follow.


Continuous learning isn't just a path to professional success, it's an essential ingredient for personal fulfillment. By embracing discomfort, stepping outside our comfort zones, and fostering a growth mindset, we empower ourselves to reach new heights, just as my son Mateo eagerly embraces each new discovery. 


The next time you hesitate to take that leap into something unfamiliar, remember: growth isn't about perfection; it's about persistence, resilience, and the joy of the journey. Remember: growth happens outside our comfort zones. Step down from your high horse, embrace the suck, and discover the capable, empowered version of yourself waiting on the other side.


Resources: 


 

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