Inquisitive.me

The world never stands still—and medicine is no exception. New insights, research, and ideas pop up constantly. Sometimes it feels like what was true yesterday is outdated today. Some schools, teachers, and colleagues simply can’t keep up. That’s why you still hear physios telling patients there’s a “right” way to sit or lift, or insisting your knees should never pass your toes during a squat—even though we know better now.

Ever watched a kid pick something up? They don’t stress about the “right” way—they just lift in a way that feels natural for their body and the situation. So why don’t we do the same? Instead, we overthink every move, afraid we’ll break something. How are you supposed to walk down the stairs if your knees can’t go past your toes? Or crouch to tie your shoes? It just doesn’t make sense.

I finished school nearly two years ago, and even then, I was still hearing these outdated myths. I even passed some of them on to my early patients—a mistake I’m still a little ashamed of. But I quickly learned to question what I was taught because, honestly, that’s the only way to grow.

A lot of people still believe these myths. Whenever I ask my patients why their back hurts, I almost always hear: “Because I sit wrong,” “My posture is bad,” or “I’m lifting the wrong way.”

We’ve spent years drilling these ideas into people—teaching the “right” way to sit, lift, and hold themselves—yet back pain is still everywhere. The real issue? Holding on to old ideas messes with how we move and how we think. Instead of moving naturally, like a kid, we start overthinking every little move, afraid of doing something “wrong.” Clearly, something’s off.

The problem isn’t just piling on new knowledge—it’s letting go of old myths. We often think the more we know, the smarter we are. But real wisdom comes from unlearning just as much as learning.

Derek Sivers uses a great analogy: imagine a number line from 0 to 10. You’re at 7, but you want to get to 4. Can you just add more? No—you’d end up further away. You have to subtract.

It’s the same with knowledge. Sometimes, to make space for something new, we need to let go of what’s already there. The real question is: how do we actually do that?

First, doubt everything you think you know. Seriously—question it all. Imagine for a moment that everything you’ve learned so far might be wrong. That mindset opens the door to real growth.

By thinking this way, you build a growth mindset—curious, ready for challenges, and open to change. Learning doesn’t stop after school; it’s a lifelong journey.

Second, stop pretending you know it all—because let’s be honest, you know nothing, Jon Snow. Try seeing yourself as a beginner, not the expert. Sure, expertise feels good—it means you’ve made it, right? But the “idiot” in the room asks questions, listens, and learns. Isn’t that the point? The moment you think you know everything is the moment you stop growing.

In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.

Shunryu Suzuki

And third, make sure what you’re learning is actually still true. If it’s outdated, let it go. Unlearn it.

The world keeps moving, evolving, changing—and we need to change with it. What felt right yesterday might be completely off today. Holding on to old, useless info just clutters your brain.

So go ahead—declutter your mental space. Make room for fresh, relevant knowledge. Out with the old, in with the useful.

🧪 Let’s Experiment

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Letting go of old myths is just as important as learning new truths.

We’ve seen how clinging to outdated ideas can block growth. A simple way to start breaking free is to question one belief at a time.

🎯 Try This:

Once a month, pick a belief or “truth” you’ve been holding onto—especially something about your work, health, or daily habits—and question it.

Look up recent studies, listen to a podcast, or read an article or short book offering a different perspective. Ask yourself: Is this still true? Or have I just never questioned it?

Then, if needed, update your thinking—or unlearn what no longer serves you. It’s a small habit, but over time, it can seriously shift your mindset. Think of it as a monthly brain declutter—clearing out the outdated stuff to make room for fresh ideas.

🧠 Final Thought:

The goal isn’t to abandon everything you know—it’s to keep your thinking flexible, curious, and current. A little monthly questioning goes a long way toward staying sharp, adaptable, and open to growth.

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Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.

Take care,

Carina 🦊