Have you ever sat in a classroom — or been in a meeting — pretending you understood something when you really didn’t?
I have.
Growing up, I used to do this all the time.
Whenever the teacher asked, “Any questions?” I kept my hand down.
Even when I was confused.
Even when I had no idea what was going on.
I thought asking questions made me look dumb.
I thought smart people just “got it” instantly.
So I stayed silent.
I smiled and nodded.
Meanwhile, inside, I was lost.
When it came time for homework, I struggled.
Not because I couldn’t learn — but because I was too scared to admit I didn’t know something.
The Illusion of “Looking Smart”
I wasn’t trying to learn.
I was trying to look smart.
I answered questions only if I was 100% sure.
I stayed quiet when I wasn’t.
If we had to read aloud, I rehearsed my paragraph early — scared to mispronounce a word and get laughed at.
I wasn’t learning.
I was protecting an image.
An image that said:
“I know everything.”
“I don’t need help.”
But that image wasn’t real.
Growth Begins When You Admit You Don’t Know
It took me years to understand this simple truth:
Not knowing is not a weakness. It’s an opportunity.
Every expert started as a beginner.
Every leader once sat in a room, too scared to ask a question.
Real growth happens when you’re willing to say:
“I don’t know yet — but I’m ready to learn.”
Real strength is admitting where you are and choosing to grow anyway.
Today, my goal isn’t to look smart.
It’s to become smarter — every single day.
Lessons for Us All
- Asking questions is strength, not weakness.
- Not knowing is the first step to mastery.
- Growth starts when appearances stop mattering.
At School of Fresh Minds, we believe every mind has untapped greatness.
The key is unlocking it — one question, one lesson, one act of courage at a time.
Learn. Teach. Repeat.
#FreshMinds #NeverStopLearning #UnlockYourGift #LearnTeachRepeat
