You Can Be 100% Right… and Still Be Wrong (Conviction & Curiosity)

Welcome to The Rocky Garza Show, where I explore the truths that shape extraordinary leaders. Today, I’m diving into the tension between conviction and curiosity—two ideas that often seem at odds but, when held together, can provide the clarity we’re all seeking.The Tension Between Conviction and CuriosityI’ve learned the hard way that just because I’m convinced I’m right, doesn’t mean I actually am.Conviction and curiosity seem like opposites, but I believe our strongest convictions often come from moments of deep curiosity.Real clarity happens when I allow these two truths to exist together.Personal Experiences and Lessons LearnedWhen I assume I already know, when I only talk to myself, or when I surround myself with people who think like me—I end up wrong.I've learned this lesson most often in marriage, parenting, and business.When I hold onto my beliefs too tightly without curiosity, I miss out on better solutions.Conviction and Curiosity in RelationshipsI’ve seen this play out in my marriage. My default is to assume I’m right, but every time I make space for curiosity, the outcome is better.If I want stronger relationships, I have to balance standing firm in my values with being open to learning from others.Identity and the Need to Be RightIf I’m being honest, my need to be right is often about something deeper.Sometimes, I fear that if I’m wrong, I’ll be seen as weak, unworthy, or unlovable.Am I chasing rightness because I believe it equals security?Conviction and Curiosity in BusinessI recently coached a high-level sales leader who struggles between confidence and asking for help.She fears that if she asks for help, she’ll look weak—but if she doesn’t, she risks burnout.True leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being confident in my abilities while also staying open to learning.The Importance of Curiosity in InnovationInnovation depends on curiosity.When a company is clear on its mission, vision, and values (conviction), it can still adapt and grow (curiosity).I’ve seen organizations thrive when they get this balance right.Practical Steps to Embrace CuriosityInstead of asking “Am I right?” I now ask “What do I not know?”I try to ask more questions than I give answers.Instead of saying “Why?” I say “Tell me about that”—it completely changes the conversation.Key TakeawaysConviction and curiosity aren’t opposites—they work best together.My need to be right is often rooted in my need for validation.Great leadership means being both confident and open to help.Growth in business and relationships requires curiosity and the willingness to see new perspectives.Asking better questions leads to better connections and decisions.Key Quotes"I can be 100% right and still be wrong.""Conviction without curiosity leads to stagnation.""The tension between conviction and curiosity isn’t something to solve—it’s something to hold.""Sometimes, being right isn’t as important as being open.""If I only listen to people who think like me, I’ll never grow beyond what I already know.""Curiosity fuels innovation, and conviction keeps me grounded."Resources MentionedFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockygarza/ Join me for my upcoming workshop, Leading Without Losing Yourself, where I’ll share practical strategies to lead with confidence and purpose: rockygarza.com/confidenceKey Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Conviction and Curiosity00:23 The Tension Between Conviction and Curiosity01:38 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned02:19 Conviction and Curiosity in Relationships02:58 Identity and the Need to Be Right05:26 Conviction and Curiosity in Business07:16 The Importance of Curiosity in Innovation07:56 Practical Steps to Embrace Curiosity10:03 Conclusion and Call to ActionTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations