The Humility of a Scientist: Why Great Workouts Require an Open Mind

In a world that rewards conviction, passion, and certainty, we often overlook one of the most valuable traits for growth: humility.

Adam Grant, Wharton School professor and best-selling author, teaches the concept of the humility of a scientist.

A scientist isn’t overly convicted about her ideas. Instead, her idea is just a hypothesis. Rather than defending it at all costs, the scientist actively tries to disprove it — and then starts in a different direction if necessary.

In a culture that prizes confidence and certainty, we undervalue this mindset.

Humility at Discover Strength

Internally, we talk about the humility of a scientist at Discover Strength all the time. We must display the willingness to read new research, understand that we were wrong, and change our recommendations.

But the humility of a scientist isn’t reserved for people in scientific fields. It’s not purely about academic research. It’s a way of thinking that applies to leadership, decision-making, and personal growth.

A Business Leader Who Modeled Scientific Thinking

One of the best examples I’ve ever read about is Sam Walton, founder of Walmart. I never met Walton, but I did read his book — and I’ve visited the Walmart Museum in Bentonville.

David Glass, the CFO who worked with Walton and later succeeded him as CEO, said this about Mr. Sam:

“He is less afraid of being wrong than anyone I’ve ever known. And once he sees he’s wrong, he just shakes it off and heads in another direction.”

This is the embodiment of thinking like a scientist. When new information becomes available, can we abandon our path and change direction without damaging our ego?

This is not easy.

What This Means for Your Workout

How does this apply to your workout?

If we are passionate, convicted, or certain about some aspect of our training, we might eventually find out that we are — at least partially — wrong. Or we may discover a better way.

We may have overstated something.
We may have undervalued something else.
Our workouts may need to evolve over time.

The best training plans are not rigid. They adapt as evidence, experience, and goals change.

Why Changing Your Mind Is Hard

Changing your mind becomes increasingly difficult once you’ve written a book about your conviction or made a lot of money around that conviction.

But progress requires flexibility.

The willingness to update your thinking — without ego — is essential for long-term success in fitness, business, and life.