Understanding the "Seven Year Shift" for Career Growth

Man, Richard Hamming's talk is doing a number on me. So much of what he said, back in 1986 is still relevant today! Calling out Hamming's "Seven Year Shift" policy that resonated so much with me...this talk should go down as one of the best career talks in history...

Hamming's suggestion of a "significant, if not complete, shift in your field" every seven years might seem counterintuitive at first. Why change when you've built expertise and a reputation in a particular area? Here's a closer look at his reasoning, drawing on his insights from the sources you provided:

1. Combating Stagnation and Maintaining Originality:

Hamming argues that staying in one area for too long can lead to stagnation. You become overly reliant on familiar methods, your thinking becomes less flexible, and you may miss out on new and emerging opportunities.

• He observes: "What happens to the old fellows is that they get a technique going; they keep on using it. They were marching in that direction which was right then, but the world changes. There's the new direction; but the old fellows are still marching in their former direction."

This idea emphasizes the importance of actively seeking new challenges and perspectives to keep your thinking fresh and continue growing.

2. The Power of "Beginner's Mind"

By shifting to a new area, you force yourself back into a "beginner's mind" state. You're no longer the expert, which can be liberating. This allows you to approach challenges with fresh eyes, ask fundamental questions, and potentially make connections that you wouldn't have seen otherwise.

• Hamming, reflecting on his own career choices, says: "...when error correcting codes were well launched, having these theories, I said, 'Hamming, you are going to quit reading papers in the field; you are going to ignore it completely; you are going to try and do something else other than coast on that.' I deliberately refused to go on in that field. I wouldn't even read papers to try to force myself to have a chance to do something else."

He actively chose to become a "beginner" again, opening himself up to new possibilities.

3. Planting New "Acorns" for Future Growth

Hamming uses the metaphor of planting acorns that grow into mighty oaks to illustrate the importance of consistently nurturing new ideas and areas of expertise.

• He advises: "You have to change. You get tired after a while; you use up your originality in one field. You need to get something nearby... so that you don't go stale... You can do something about this, but it takes effort and energy. It takes courage to say, 'Yes, I will give up my great reputation.'"

This suggests that even giving up a degree of established expertise can be beneficial in the long run, as it creates space for new growth and potentially even greater accomplishments.

4. The "Seven Year Shift" in Today's Context

While the specific timeframe of seven years might not be a rigid rule, the underlying principle of embracing change and seeking new challenges is highly relevant for professionals today:

• Rapid Technological Advancements: In fields like technology, where change is constant and skills can become obsolete quickly, actively seeking new challenges and updating your knowledge base is essential.
• The Evolving Nature of Work: The rise of the gig economy, remote work, and the increasing demand for adaptable skillsets mean that professionals need to be prepared to navigate career transitions more frequently.
• Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Beyond external success, seeking new challenges can contribute to personal growth, prevent boredom, and keep you engaged and motivated throughout your career.

Hamming's "seven year shift" isn't about abandoning your expertise or making drastic career changes for the sake of it. It's about recognizing the dangers of complacency, embracing a mindset of continuous learning, and actively seeking out new challenges that can keep you engaged, adaptable, and at the forefront of your field.