It’s better to Have Open Hands than Closed Fists

Conventional wisdom tells us that staying focused and maintaining tight control will produce results. Yet, real breakthroughs often arise when we “open our hands” to unconventional ideas, diverse perspectives, and even the possibility of failure.

As an entrepreneur, it becomes apparent that your company’s growth will stall if you remain closed off. Cultivating new relationships and collaborating with people who hold different viewpoints is essential. Many people crave certainty, which explains why so many struggled during and after the pandemic. In a climate of uncertainty, those unwilling to adapt found themselves at a disadvantage. Embracing openness instead of clinging to the familiar reveals unexpected insights, solutions, and more authentic creativity.

Throughout history, open hands have symbolized generosity, cooperation, and the belief that what you give will somehow return. In contrast, clenched fists convey selfishness, fear, and a lack of trust—ancient moral lessons reflected in numerous spiritual and philosophical traditions.

I understood these principles intellectually but rarely applied them until January 15, 2009. Recently, a podcast host asked me what this meant in my life. I had always been taught that giving is a divine expectation, but when forced to choose between serving others or prioritizing my interests, I often opted for the latter. The events of that day on the Hudson River, however, proved transformative. The world witnessed a miracle made possible because people set their egos aside and focused on helping one another first.

One of the most astonishing aspects of that day was how 155 individuals—strangers who had no reason to care about each other—came together in just seven minutes. They abandoned personal agendas and opened themselves up to serve someone else. If even one person had taken a “closed fist” approach, only looking out for themselves, the outcome might have been disastrous.

In the aftermath of January 15, 2009, I committed to donate my time, skills, and resources to the American Red Cross. Extending my hands to the Red Cross not only allowed me to support people during their most vulnerable moments but also led me to new connections and opportunities I never would have imagined. It was then that I realized

Wealth truly appreciates for those who practice appreciation.

This shift in mindset also influenced my business approach. While conventional business tactics may favor secrecy and guard one’s competitive edge, embracing openness—collaboration, transparency, congruence—unlocked new creativity and loyalty, enabling sustained growth without resorting to cutthroat, zero-sum strategies.

After leaving Oracle, this philosophy accelerated the expansion of my own business. I’ve witnessed it firsthand through entrepreneurs like Chad Jenkins at Seedpark and his private network, CoLab, who exemplify these principles.

Whenever I speak, whether in interviews, on stage, or through my writing, I emphasize the importance of resilience. Resilience often starts with open hands: relinquishing control, welcoming uncertainty, and staying flexible. This posture leads to fresh opportunities and can ultimately transform your life.

Contrary to the instinct to cling tightly to what’s familiar, maintaining an open stance encourages adaptability, mental agility, and reduced stress—qualities that foster growth amid volatility. In times of scarcity, fear tempts us to hoard resources and protect our interests at all costs. Yet my experience, broadcast to the world on January 15, 2009, demonstrates that openness—shared knowledge, pooled resources, and genuine alliances—commonly results in long-term security and collective survival rather than solitary struggle.