Open-mindedness is said to be a positive trait, often described as equal to tolerance or a non-prejudiced approach to life. It does sound positive, but what about the real benefits one can get when they learn how to be open-minded? How can one develop this trait and make it work for their good?

Here are a few tips to become open-minded and enjoy the new worldview with all its perks.

Why Self-Discovery Matters

There is no way to change anything about yourself without exploring your personality first. Getting to know yourself is a steady process, and it takes some time to discover what you cherish, what you believe in, and what makes you a better person. You can either use therapy for this aim or try self-discovery with the help of hacks and apps from the internet. The tool you might consider helpful is the Liven app, a self-discovery companion on your way to inner harmony. It has many instruments like mood tracker, wellbeing tests, and useful lessons for discovering intriguing facts about your perspectives, habits, and personality traits.

If you want something to support you along the way, but lack the community to stand beside you, Liven is worth trying as a digital friend and coach to show you the way.

And if you think of trying to manage learning to be open-minded by your own means first, here are the techniques that might come in handy.

Get Rid Of the Biases

It takes some effort to review what you believe in and reevaluate those ideas. Start by making a list of your beliefs and analysing them. When did you get those from? Are they your own, or have they been put into your head by parents, teachers, or society?

Making sure that you are an independent thinker makes it easier to make well-balanced decisions.

Then, estimate the time you have had your biases for. Are all of those ideas up-to-date? Is it time to get rid of some of them because they don’t serve you anymore?

This is a lot of cognitive work, but once it is done, you feel enlightened and free to take on some new points of view.

Take Mistakes & Criticism Easy

A mistake is not always a failure. Sometimes, it is just a sign that something needs your attention and effort. And people who point out those mistakes don’t necessarily try to hurt you. They might simply try to help you achieve the best result!

Besides, criticism doesn’t have to do anything with your personality. It may appeal to the product of your work or activity. If you don’t manage to successfully finish a task, it doesn’t make you a bad person. Maybe you just lack experience or mastery, and that is achievable to maintain.

So, try shifting your view. It might be difficult at first, but keep this idea in mind: it is not an accusation, it is your helping hand. If you don’t notice how you have done something wrong, you are lucky to have others who highlight your areas of growth. Mistakes are such an underestimated method of gaining new knowledge, so use it as your personal benefit!

Perfectionism might sound like the best personality trait, but it might also rob you of the joy of the journey.

Look on the Bright Side

Although optimism is often viewed as the lack of knowledge, it doesn’t always work this way. Sometimes, such an attitude is the best self-support. And it can be fully reasonable, too.

If you lean towards anxiety, you are probably used to keeping all the possible negative outcomes in your head. But what about thinking about the good things that might be coming your way? If you take it seriously and try to write down every possible outcome with the reasons behind them, it might turn out that you are actually exaggerating the threat of failure.

Of course, you don’t have to do it every time. Sooner or later, as long as you stick to an optimistic worldview, it will become easier for you to look on the bright side.

If you find it hard to believe first, begin by supporting other people. When trying to convince somebody else of a good outcome, it is easier for you to believe so yourself!

The practice of gratitude can play a big role in this process. Every evening, before going to bed, try to remember at least three good things that have happened to you during the day. This way, you will get in the habit of finding reasons for joy in the munday, which will support you further and broaden your mind. And this, in turn, makes a big impact on your overall open-mindedness.

Greet New Experiences

Are you scared of the new? It is natural for people to stick to the same places, habits, and company, because it feels safe and understandable. You don’t have to make an effort to dig into something you are already familiar with—it’s comfortable. But what if you dare to discover the unknown?

Take the challenge of trying new things. Start small and find a new dinner recipe to try the other evening. Or a new hobby. Or a new place to go on the weekend!

Not only will it add to your open-mindedness, but also it surely will make your world bigger and brighter. Soon, you will find yourself being more adventurous and easy-going. And that is a great feeling to experience.

Try Alternative Interpretations

Not everything in the world has to be straightforward. What you like, some people may have for absolutely valid reasons. And vice versa, what you find not so attractive, others may be drawn to.

Exercise in interpreting words and events differently. Find the hidden meanings and characteristics behind the things you know well. Make it kind of a detective game to play! It can be fun and amusing if you just give it a try! Don’t hesitate to open your mind to the new.

Final Word

Open-mindedness is a skill that can be improved. With some time and effort, it can significantly change your life, opening your eyes to the beautiful things that have remained unknown until this time. So, give yourself this benefit and become a better version of yourself! Grab that opportunity to know the world around you to its fullest.