Kevin Bemel ·
Why Stupid is the New Smart
“Smart is dumb and dumb is smart.” One of Roger Dawson’s five key principles of negotiating, this idea is broadly applicable to entrepreneurs.
Ever notice the height measurements posted on underpasses? Did you think to yourself, “who would be so stupid as to try to drive a truck that was too tall under one of them?” Me too. But it happens. Evidently one time a truck got jammed so badly it could not back out.
The Highway Patrol, fire department, and state troopers all converged on the scene. A crowd gathered as the experts tried one scheme after another to extract the truck using its own power. Nothing worked. Finally, they concluded that the trailer would have to be dismantled. That was until they overheard the young daughter of an onlooker ask her daddy, “why don’t they let the air out of it tires?”
Problem solving, which is the essence of entrepreneurship, is a skill that can be impeded by the belief that you are an expert. A smart person may overlook the obvious or be overwhelmed by the urge to demonstrate his intelligence rather than solve the problem. He may too quickly discard potential solutions or balk at getting started because the challenge seems too great. In all of these cases, ignorance may be bliss because it is a surer road to success.
Michael Hyatt, citing Steven Pressfield, urges you to stay stupid. Indeed, having faith in your ultimate success is far more powerful and important than colossal intelligence and profound insights.
Question – What challenges have you overcome where persistence was more important than intellect?
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