10 Steps To Become More Open-Minded

Open-mindedness is the ability to be less judgmental and more inquisitive, introspective and considerate. Open-minded people may be viewed as more honest and reliable since they tend to consider multiple perspectives before reaching a decision. In this article, we discuss what it means to be open-minded, the benefits of having an open mindset and how you can work on building this ability.

What is open-mindedness?

Being open-minded means you are willing to look for and think about other perspectives. An open mindset is a belief that other people should be free to express their beliefs and arguments even if you do not agree with those views. Open-mindedness is often used as a synonym for being tolerant and not prejudiced. 

Open-minded people can fairly value experiences, beliefs, emotions, goals or arguments that may not align with their own. Open-minded people tend to be good listeners who strive to understand how other people perceive situations. They see differing opinions as valuable and thrive in diverse environments where they can interact with people with unique ideas and backgrounds.

Characteristics of open-mindedness

People who are open-minded share several characteristics such as:

  • Willing to have their ideas challenged

  • Staying calm when they are wrong

  • Feeling empathy for other people

  • Thinking about what others are thinking

  • Being humble about their knowledge and expertise

  • Wanting to hear what other people have to say

  • Believing everyone has a right to share their beliefs and thoughts



Benefits of being open-minded

Being open-minded offers mental and emotional benefits such as:

  • Becoming more insightful about different beliefs, lifestyles and cultures in the world

  • Gaining empathy for other people even if you have little in common

  • Developing the ability to self-reflect and think more carefully about your own experiences, thoughts and decisions

  • Boosting your confidence in your own beliefs and ideas

  • Building mental strength and reasoning skills

  • Improving your ability to be more realistic or optimistic

  • Being more honest about your emotions with others and with yourself.



How to be more open-minded

Becoming more open-minded takes time because changing the way your mind works can be challenging. Here are 10 ways to help you develop into a more open-minded person:


1. Be aware of your biases

Biases affect how we interpret information and can cause judgment or stereotypes. Becoming more aware of our own biases is the first step to challenging them and becoming open to new ideas.

When you take in new information, consider how your biases affect your interpretation of that information. If you feel ready to accept the additional information, think about how this information might confirm your existing beliefs. If your response is to reject the information, consider what makes it challenging for you to accept.


2. Consider the opposite viewpoint

Open-mindedness involves being able to question not just others, but also yourself. Think about topics that you have strong opinions about and then imagine the perspective of someone on the other side of the argument. Try to think of at least three reasons someone might hold this opposing view. You might also consider reading a news article or book by or about someone who believes this opposing view. 

Being able to imagine another side's perspective, even if you continue to hold your previous beliefs, helps you to see the topic in a more nuanced way and become more open-minded when considering other subjects.


3. Practice generous interpretation

Generous interpretation is the process of assuming that people have good intentions. It goes beyond simply considering someone else's point of view and actively searches for positive justifications for their actions. 

For example, if a coworker does something that upsets you, think about the situation from their perspective. Consider what their motivation might be or what else might be happening in their life that affects their action. The most generous interpretation would assume the coworker meant well or was preoccupied with other things even if their actions were upsetting. It's OK to still acknowledge your negative feelings because of this coworker's actions while trying to practice sympathy for them.


4. Ask questions

Open-minded people tend to ask questions rather than offer their own opinions or argue. You can practice asking more questions during almost any conversation. For example, if a coworker is talking about a hobby you have never tried, ask them for more details about how it and what they enjoy about it.

You can ask more questions about more emotionally charged topics as well. If a coworker starts talking about a political topic you have opposing views on, ask questions about their views rather than debate them. Seek to learn instead of immediately being defensive about your own opinions. If you decide to debate the coworker at a later date, you both can have a more complex conversation about the issue rather than simply arguing.


5. Think about the neutral viewpoint

Try brainstorming the potential reasons for a neutral viewpoint on a controversial topic. You could also ask a friend if you could talk about this issue while they simply listen and summarize what you say. This technique of having someone else repeat your words back to you can help you see a situation more objectively.


6. Make new connections

Connecting with people who have a variety of perspectives on life is a good way to become more open-minded. Seek connections with people you may not often encounter or interact with for a prolonged period. For example, you could invite a coworker to lunch because you've never spent time with them outside of work before. Even if you have very little in common, take the opportunity to learn more about their interests and personality.


7. Experience different media

Considering other perspectives can become easier when we know more about the people who might have those perspectives. Reading books, watching movies, listening to podcasts or experiencing other types of media and art can all help us imagine or sympathize with different viewpoints.

Look for media and art created by or about people with different views or experiences. For example, you can read a book written by someone from a different religion or watch a television show about people from another country.


8. Join a new group

Changing how your mind works can be easier if you have a support system. One way to create this support system is to become involved with an open-minded group or organization.

You might join a reading diversity challenge at your local library or bookstore. There may be a nonpartisan organization where people with various political views can come together to talk, organize and help others become informed about topics such as voting rights. If your supervisor approves, you could even start a group at your workplace.


9. Reframe negative thoughts

Open-minded people are typically more realistic or optimistic in their outlook. Try to be aware of when your mind immediately reaches a negative decision or conclusion. See if you can alter that negative thought and take a more neutral approach to a situation.

For example, if you feel that a work task is impossible, try to think about the task as a challenge. Consider other obstacles you've overcome and what they have taught you. Acknowledge that it's OK to not fully succeed if you have done your personal best.


10. Acknowledge you are learning

Admitting when you are wrong can be challenging, but the ability to acknowledge your mistakes can help you become more open-minded. Realizing that your ideas could be incorrect can help you figure out how to learn from the experience and do better in the future. When someone helps you change your mind on a subject, show appreciation and thank them for putting the time and effort in to help you open your mind and educate yourself.

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