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Opinions of Thursday, 21 May 2020

Columnist: Dr. Annie Gaisie

Open mindedness is a great strength

Dr. Annie Gaisie Dr. Annie Gaisie

Why is it that some people seem to make constant progress in their professional and personal lives, while others appear to repeat the same mistakes over and over?

The answer may not be straight forward but there is an interesting mindset difference between a closed-minded person and an open-minded person: they approach obstacles and challenges very differently. It all comes down to the mindset.

Being able to change outdated or incorrect beliefs is an important part of learning and personal growth. This all stems from learning and unlearning close-minded behaviours.

When a person is close-minded, they typically are unwilling to accept or even think about anyone’s view but their own.

We have all encountered that one person who is closed off and set in their ways. More often than not, it gets very irritating and we get completely exhausted being around them.

Being around a close-minded person can literally drain the energy out of you.

So what does it mean to be open-minded?

Being open-minded means welcoming new ideas, arguments, and information that you typically do not align with.

Open-mindedness is a positive character quality and it enables those who use it to think critically and rationally. It is so important to be able to step out of your comfort zone and consider other ideas and perspectives, especially in our modern world.

Successful people tend to approach life with an open mind-set. An eagerness to learn and a willingness to be wrong. People who are closed-minded dig their heels in at the first sign of disagreement and would rather die than be wrong.

If you’re fortunate enough to be friends with open-minded people, you know the world is a fascinating place. No one needs to tell you, you see it in how your friends react to the world and interact with the world around them.

Such people are

• More positive

• Full of energy

• Ready and willing to learn new things

• Turn to be great leaders

• Very good companions

• Good at problem-solving

• Open to new ideas

• Embrace change

You can train yourself to become open-minded too.

• Just allow yourself to tolerate circumstances and experiences outside your comfort zone.

• Do not be quick to judge the believes, ideas, opinions of others.

• Be a good listener

• Try not to think that your way is always better.

• Make friends with open-minded people.

Allow life's adventures to sail you beautifully in your journey

By: Dr. Annie Gaisie, Psychologist - Addictive Behaviour.

Email- dovewomen@gmail.com