“We all operate in two contrasting modes, which might be called open and close. The open mode is more relaxed, more receptive, more exploratory, more democratic, more playful and more humorous. The closed mode is the tighter, more rigid, more hierarchical, more tunnel-visioned. Most people, unfortunately spend most of their time in the closed mode.” – John Cheese
It has been said over and over that one should always keep an open mind. Easy as it is to say and as much as we might have heard it, it is not very easy to practice. Keeping an open mind is an “essential life skill” that takes a lot of practice to master!
However, the benefits are worth it as it makes life a whole less complicated, easier and happier. I have been practicing this and I can tell you for sure that it really does make a difference.
I’ve shared a few tips below i believe could help as you practice keeping an open mind;
1. Leave Safe Behind – For you to succeed you need to take chances and stretch beyond your comfort zone. To stretch is to expand your mind, to grow and to create room for opportunities. A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there so do not be afraid to leave safe behind and step out of your comfort zone by challenging yourself and trying new things. You need to spread those amazing wings & soar like the awesome eagle you are or aim to be. You can’t keep an open mind in a closed box.
2. Spend Time Alone –Find time Make time for yourself. Turn down the noise around you and get to know yourself. Meditate. Be still so you can listen. Reflect. Do a candid self-appraisal & mentally highlight stuff you could have done better. Reinvigorate. Recharge. Don’t be too busy with the hustle and bustle of the world that you forget about yourself.
3. Tame your Ego – The ego controls the conscious mind and when it comes out to play, it can do more harm than good if left unchecked. The ego tries to justify why you’re just fine maintain a closed mind, why you have to ALWAYS be right and why things have to go your way or it’s the high way. Refuse to become the victim of the ego and watch your mind expand. Remember there is always another perspective, humble yourself to be able to recognise superior logic/opinion & do not fail to subscribe to it. No person knows it all.
4. Judge Not – Never believe everything you hear about a person. Strive to allow yourself see things from the other person’s perspective, learn more about them and try not to judge their circumstances. Endeavor to transpose i.e. swap places, it makes the circumstance more lucid.
5. Finally, for the women in business, be open minded about your business by looking at your competition, what they are up to, in what areas your business can be improved and apply changes where necessary. This is the only way your business can thrive.
1. Leave Safe Behind – For you to succeed you need to take chances and stretch beyond your comfort zone. To stretch is to expand your mind, to grow and to create room for opportunities. A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there so do not be afraid to leave safe behind and step out of your comfort zone by challenging yourself and trying new things. You need to spread those amazing wings & soar like the awesome eagle you are or aim to be. You can’t keep an open mind in a closed box.
2. Spend Time Alone –
3. Tame your Ego – The ego controls the conscious mind and when it comes out to play, it can do more harm than good if left unchecked. The ego tries to justify why you’re just fine maintain a closed mind, why you have to ALWAYS be right and why things have to go your way or it’s the high way. Refuse to become the victim of the ego and watch your mind expand. Remember there is always another perspective, humble yourself to be able to recognise superior logic/opinion & do not fail to subscribe to it. No person knows it all.
4. Judge Not – Never believe everything you hear about a person. Strive to allow yourself see things from the other person’s perspective, learn more about them and try not to judge their circumstances. Endeavor to transpose i.e. swap places, it makes the circumstance more lucid.
5. Finally, for the women in business, be open minded about your business by looking at your competition, what they are up to, in what areas your business can be improved and apply changes where necessary. This is the only way your business can thrive.
In the words of Meredith Grey, Keep an open mind. It’s how we learn, It’s how we grow, It’s how we move forward.
Do you consider yourself and “Open-Minded” person, are you on a journey to mastering the skill of being Open Minded? Please feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Do you consider yourself and “Open-Minded” person, are you on a journey to mastering the skill of being Open Minded? Please feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts.