Why you should allow yourself to be open-minded

Keeping an open mind is realizing that we all perceive the world that we live in differently. It is being patient when we feel misunderstood, and allowing for the possibility that we’re also misunderstanding others. Open-mindedness is being forgiving of people who hold different opinions and reminding ourselves that we do not necessarily know what the world is like for others.

Being open-minded can be really tough sometimes. Most of us are brought up with a set of beliefs and values and, throughout our lives, tend to surround ourselves with people who share the same values and beliefs, therefore, it can be difficult when we are faced with ideas that challenge our own.

There is much to be gained from opening the door to your mind and letting new ideas and beliefs come in.

Here are a few benefits of keeping an open mind;

Making yourself vulnerable. One of the greatest things about seeing the world through an open mind is making yourself vulnerable. In agreeing to have an open-minded view of the world, you are admitting you don’t know everything and that there are possibilities you may not have considered.

Experiencing changes. Opening up your mind to new ideas allows you to the opportunity to change what you think and how you view the world. It does not mean you necessarily have to change your beliefs, but you have the option to when you think with an open mind.

Strengthening yourself. With an open mind you can learn about new things and you can use the new ideas to build on the old ideas. Everything you experience can add up, strengthening who you are and what you believe in. It is very hard to build on experiences without an open mind.

Gaining confidence. When you live with an open mind, you have a strong sense of self. You are not confined by your own beliefs, nor are you confined by the beliefs of others. For that reason, you are able to have and gain confidence as you learn more and more about the world around you. Open-mindedness helps you to learn and grow, strengthening your belief in yourself.

Being honest. There is an honesty that comes with an open mind because being open-minded means admitting that you do not know all. It means believing that whatever truth you find might always have more to it than you realize. This understanding creates an underlying sense of honesty that permeates the character of anyone who lives with an open mind.

Whether or not you consider yourself to be open-minded, you can certainly see from the list above that there are great benefits to viewing life with an open mind.