I was listening to a podcast (Freakonomics) and the subject was the three hardest words in the English language.  At first guess you would think it would be some phrase like “I love you,” but their study revealed those three difficult words are “I don’t know.”

If you think about it, nobody ever says I don’t know. Often times, a person will guess or just make it up on the fly. Nobody wants to be perceived as someone who doesn’t have the answer. Nobody wants to look bad.

As usual, the guys at Freakonomics take things a bit too far in making their point. There are times, when it makes sense to guess or to fake it till you make it. But, their point is well taken here.

It is that very realization that you don’t have the answers to everything that leads you to ask questions. Those questions lead you to answers. Those answers help you to grow. Growth helps you to actually know more.

I personally, do have a lot of answers to a lot of questions. But the reason I have those answers is because I asked questions. It’s because I am aware when I don’t know something, and I go try to find the answer.

I love when “I don’t know” pops into my mind.  It is often the start of a great adventure.

In fact, one of my favorite things to say is, “I don’t know, but I’ll go find out.” That phrase or thought has led me to some of the most amazing learning experiences in my life. I am so grateful that I have that drive to find the answers. I am so grateful that I don’t think I know everything.

What about you? Do you know it all?

Chris Doelle