What “Think Again” is About:
Think Again explores the practice of rethinking. It questions how and why we think the way we do and being willing to shift our perspective when new information challenges our assumptions. Author Adam Grant leans into this idea by showing how the process of rethinking can have a powerful impact not only on our personal lives, but also on the way we learn, teach, and communicate with others.
Throughout the book, Grant walks us through real-world stories of individuals navigating moments that required them to rethink beliefs that they have attached to their personal character. These stories highlight an important takeaway: some of our greatest strengths and weaknesses are the beliefs we hold most tightly. When we treat those beliefs as fixed, they can limit growth. When we treat them as flexible, they open the door to learning and improvement.
What We Love About “The Power of Moments”:
One of Empowered’s core philosophies is that a growth mindset can improve learning in all capacities, and Think Again reinforces this idea in a meaningful way. Rethinking is a powerful tool when cultivating a growth mindset, especially in the classroom. Grant reminds us that growth requires experimentation, a willingness to change our minds, and the understanding that failure is an essential part of learning.
Grant also introduces three common archetypes that we often fall into when making decisions or defending ideas:
THE PREACHER We feel our beliefs are under threat, so we deliver “sermons” to protect and promote our ideals.
THE PROSECUTOR We focus on finding flaws in other’s reasonings to strengthen our argument, rather than testing our own thinking.
THE POLITICIAN We prioritize approval from others, which can prevent us from rethinking our own ideas with a truthful perspective.
Instead of staying stuck in these roles, Grant encourages us to adopt a Scientist mindset. To think like a scientist means to stay curious, test ideas, seek evidence, and to be open to changing our conclusions. This approach helps prevent staying stagnant and supports continuous growth.
In the classroom, this mindset directly supports Empowered’s vision of student-centered learning. Encouraging students to think like scientists, whether that be asking questions, revising ideas, and learning from mistakes, helps build confident, adaptable learners who see learning as an ongoing process rather than a fixed outcome.
Why You Should Read “Think Again”:
Teaching is constantly evolving, and Think Again offers you a thoughtful lens to view change with confidence and curiosity. This book will help encourage you to reflect on your own thinking, instructional choices, and classroom practice while being a model to the same openness to learning we hope to cultivate in students.
Rethinking can look like revisiting a lesson, questioning routine, or being open to student perspectives that challenge our assumptions. Grant’s Scientist mindset provides a practical way to approach these moments. Some examples that you can use in your classroom could be to treat teaching as an ongoing experiment, gather feedback, adjust when needed, and to keep learning alongside your students.
Think Again also reinforces the idea that changing your mind does not indicate failure rather it’s a sign of growth. In classrooms where teachers model flexibility, curiosity, and intellectual humility, students are more likely to take risks, ask questions, and see learning as a lifelong process. If you are looking to embrace a more individualized, student-centered approach, this book serves as both a mindset shift and a powerful reminder that growth begins with rethinking.
How can thinking again help create impactful moments for you and your students? Answer that question and share your thoughts on the book on Teacher Talk inside Empowered Hub.
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