What is the difference between being open minded and close minded?
Taking you back to that time you were in that seminar or in that class, focusing only on what you already know. At times just standing by waiting to hear knowledge you were already aware of. The minute that the speaker or teacher repeats knowledge or fact you already know, it seems to be an instant ego boost! You obtain so much knowledge it doesn’t come as a surprise that you already knew what they were talking about at the time. It’s like maintaining a little checklist of what you already know.
Are you constantly focusing on proving to yourself that you know so much and that you are a bright individual?.
One question for you. Why were you there to learn something new or to confirm what you already know?
Are you in a state of being open-minded?
Many individuals have this attitude in their life. I definitely have had this attitude in my life… in the past, which is why I am writing about my transformation. Today, I choose to take a different approach! When it comes to learning and obtaining new information in my life I am always focusing on gaining new knowledge. I steer away from focusing on information I’m already aware of because there is no growth and wisdom that comes with having that perspective.
When an individual is constantly focusing on finding and connecting with the information they are already aware of, they are not connecting with any new knowledge. It’s not possible to receive both new and old perspectives at the same time. With this focus – Long-term an individual moves towards a huge loss of growth and is constantly blocking out any new valuable information.
You may have realized this and probably thinking it. Isn’t it a little close-minded to focus on information that’s already familiar to an individual?
Let’s look at the definition “Open Minded”.
Open-minded: 1. having or showing a mind receptive to new ideas or arguments. View Definition
Majority of us feel incredibly uncomfortable with the idea of being “Closed Minded”. I mean who wants to be closed-minded? Looking at the definition of what “Open Minded” stands for, wouldn’t it be fair to say; that if we are constantly looking to connect, repeat and talk about what we already know. We are practicing the habits of being close-minded?
Focusing on what we know shields us from picking up on information we have not yet come across. It also created a pattern of being close-minded and not receptive to new ideas or sometimes just a new perspective.
So how can we maintain an open-minded outlook?
#1. BE grateful for every opportunity you have to learn something new.
#2. Place great value on learning new information and gaining growth from new knowledge.
#3. Look for new information and ideas, Daily. Make it a habit!
#4. Avoid becoming defensive about new ideas, Maintain an open-minded outlook. Focus on trying to understand the other person perspective. ( When we are defensive we are not being receptive to what’s actually going on around us)
Staying consistent and keeping these 4 simple steps in mind can totally turn around anyone’s results in life. There is so much joy that comes along with gaining new information and growing with new knowledge!
The only individuals who see change are the ones who choose it for themselves and they must be open minded to notice the change!
There another form of information that is also extremely valuable… It comes in the form of reminders! At times we will come across information that we are familiar with but it’s not something that is ingrained in our mind. It’s important to receive reminders with a new perspective.
Why?
Every day in our life we grow, We saw things differently constantly! Every day, every week and every year we have new experiences that change our worldview. Reading a book, poem or quotes in the time period of 1 year can be 2 totally different experiences depending what events are currently surrounding you in your life at the moment you will interpret that information with a certain perspective! This is the main reason why it’s important to receive reminders from a fresh perspective.
As you read this if you feel like you can relate to it in any way, challenge yourself to be self-aware:
Take note of your attitude and mindset when you are in an environment that has information you already know and new information.
- How you feel when you take a growth mindset approach by focusing on gaining new information. Emotions? Mood? Thoughts?
- What change do you experience around your awareness, attitude, and how you feel?
Decide for yourself what you want in life and who you want to be, suddenly you will find new information extremely valuable!
The last piece of information I have for you in this post is, always remember it takes time and consistency to become who you want to become in your life! It’s a Trial and Error process and that’s okay!! There will come a time when all the pieces fall into place! Until then keep on working at it, growing and learning with an open-mindset and perspective!
For better health and greater wealth in life, change the way you think!