5 IMPORTANT REASONS TO KEEP AN OPEN-MIND

What is Open-Mindedness

The quality of being willing to consider ideas and opinions that are new or different to your own (dictionary.cambridge.org).

Another term for open-mindedness is intellectual humility. There have been studies as to why some people cling to some old beliefs when new evidences suggests that those beliefs are inaccurate and why some people immediately abandon their old beliefs and practice new ones. 

Intellectual humility, is the morality that sits between those two excesses; it’s the inclination to change, plus the wisdom to know when you shouldn’t (hbr.org).

 Benefits of being Open-minded.

1. Ability To Be Vulnerable- This can either be thrilling or terrifying or both. Keeping an open mind means you are admitting that you do not have answers to everything and you haven't considered all possibilities.

2. Encounter Changes- Open-mindedness gives you the opportunity to think differently about how you view the world. You might not necessarily change your beliefs but it gives you that option.

3. Gaining Confidence- Open-mindedness helps you have a strong sense of self. You are not restricted by your own beliefs, neither are you cramped by the beliefs of others. For that reason, you have the ability to gain confidence as you become more knowledgeable about the world around you.

4. Letting Go Of Control- You become less controlling of your own thoughts when your mind is open. You give yourself a chance to take in new ideas and teachings and you question the beliefs you currently have. With open-mindedness comes liberation.

5. Finding Strength- With an open mind you get to discover new things and 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's very hard to build on experiences without an open mind.