The Art of Saying “I Don’t Know".

There was a time when I felt like I had to have all the answers. Whether it was at work, in conversations with friends, or even just in casual debates, admitting “I don’t know” felt like a failure. It felt like I was letting people down or that my credibility would take a hit if I didn’t have a solid answer ready. So, instead, I’d scramble to come up with something—even if it wasn’t entirely accurate—just to avoid that uncomfortable moment of uncertainty.

But over time, I’ve learned that there’s a real strength in saying “I don’t know.” It’s honest, it’s human, and most importantly, it opens the door to learning. None of us are walking encyclopedias, and it’s impossible to have all the answers all the time. Admitting that you don’t know something doesn’t mean you’re unqualified or unknowledgeable. In fact, it shows a willingness to learn and a level of humility that’s often overlooked in our fast-paced, “always know everything” culture.

What’s interesting is that once I started embracing “I don’t know,” conversations became so much more enriching. Instead of trying to fake my way through an answer, I found myself genuinely curious. I’d ask more questions, listen more intently, and learn more from the people around me. It was a subtle shift, but it made a huge difference. I realized that people don’t expect you to know everything—they just appreciate authenticity. And when I didn’t know something, it often sparked collaborative discussions where we’d figure it out together.

I’ve also noticed that saying “I don’t know” has taken a lot of pressure off me. There’s a certain peace that comes with not needing to be the expert in every situation. Instead of stressing over what I don’t know, I now focus on what I can learn. And more often than not, that mindset has led to better outcomes—whether it’s problem-solving at work, having more meaningful conversations, or just being more open to new perspectives.

So, if you’re someone who struggles with admitting you don’t have all the answers, I get it. But trust me, there’s freedom in embracing the unknown. It’s okay not to know everything. It’s okay to admit when you’re unsure. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s how we grow, how we learn, and how we build stronger connections with the people around us.