A journey of acceptance and tolerance
Who shaped this notion of open-mindedness? It’s intriguing how such a simple concept has become a hallmark of greatness.
I once lived with a closed mindset, retreating into my shell. Then came my failure as an entrepreneur—a moment when everything I believed turned out to be wrong.
Being open-minded isn’t about privacy or secrecy. When I sought to understand it, I turned to peers, friends, and mentors for guidance. Their answers were often vague. Some advised, “Talk things out,” while others asserted, “You can’t be open-minded in a closed world.”
After digging deeper, I discovered two key facets that shaped my understanding of open-mindedness. At first, I was surprised by how these would lead me toward a more open perspective. But, as I shed my reservations and sought truth, clarity began to emerge.
The first facet is acceptance. Once I began accepting reality for what it is, it no longer had the power to affect me.
But what does acceptance mean? How did I shift my mindset? I had to unlearn my old self and stop one crucial behavior: I stopped passing judgment. This liberating shift allowed me to see more possibilities, enabling me to process information in new and enlightening ways.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took a year of disciplined self-restraint. Even before I completed this challenge, I faced another significant obstacle.
What was tougher? It was a principle my mother had instilled in me for years. She lived by this mantra, and it finally resonated with me: “It’s tolerance!”
Life is ironic. My mother’s advice became pivotal for my growth. In my fervor, I had developed a strong reaction to bias and often pushed away those who didn’t match my intensity. While drive can be beneficial, my ego’s resistance was foolish. Confronting and crushing that ego proved challenging.
How does tolerance fit into this equation? Tolerating differing opinions, inefficiencies, and the masses was tough. I was judging everything and resenting others for judging me.
For example, whenever I delved into a domain, I felt the need to stay updated. If someone contradicted my knowledge, I would argue. Although I considered myself a top researcher, I couldn’t know everything. This ego-driven mindset had serious repercussions, making it even harder to listen without judgment.
Listening is a key component of tolerance. I now focus on these aspects in conversations:
• What can I learn from this interaction?
• How can I collaborate with this person?
As I embraced open-mindedness, I began to cultivate qualities such as:
• Curiosity: Asking questions when needed.
• Empathy: Stepping into others’ emotional states.
You might wonder if these filters contradict the concept of open-mindedness.
The truth is that filters don’t negate open-mindedness; they refine it. The flexibility to learn, collaborate, and expand perspectives defines open-mindedness for me.
I began this journey years ago, and I continue to learn and grow.
Practices for Cultivating Open-Mindedness
Here are some practices to help you cultivate open-mindedness:
• Be curious: Ask questions and seek new information.
• Be willing to be wrong: Accept that no one is right all the time. Embrace the possibility of being wrong.
• Listen to others: Engage, even when you disagree.
• Be respectful: Disagreement doesn’t mean disrespect; maintain a respectful dialogue.
Cultivating open-mindedness is an ongoing journey that requires acceptance, tolerance, and a willingness to listen.