We all like to think we’re open minded…
Until someone says something that completely rubs us the wrong way.
Maybe it’s a friend with a strong opinion.
Maybe it’s your partner bringing up something that challenges how you were raised.
Or maybe it’s a comment online that gets under your skin.
Being open minded doesn’t mean you have to AGREE.
It means you’re willing to pause, listen, and consider another view—even when it feels uncomfortable.
That takes courage. And it takes practice.
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
Aristotle
If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I so quick to judge?” or “How do I stay open without losing myself?”
You’re in the right place.
Why It’s So Hard to Be Open Minded Sometimes
Here’s the truth a lot of us don’t talk about—Being open minded sounds great… until it’s your belief being challenged!
It’s easy to stay curious when the topic is light. But once things get personal? That’s when the walls go up.
And honestly? That’s not a flaw. It’s your brain doing what it’s designed to do—protect you.
Here’s why it happens:
📌 Your brain craves certainty.
When something feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable, your mind sees it as a threat.
So instead of exploring, you might shut it down—fast.
📌 You’ve worked hard to build your values.
When someone questions them, it can feel like they’re questioning you.
And let’s be real—no one likes feeling judged.
📌 Your ego wants to be right.
Even when you’re open to learning, that little voice in your head still whispers, “Don’t let them win.”
📌 You’ve been hurt before.
If you’ve ever been dismissed, ignored, or made to feel small for your ideas, staying open now feels risky.
So if you find yourself getting defensive sometimes? You’re not being “closed minded.” You’re being human.
But here’s where the growth happens: When you notice those walls going up—and choose to stay open anyway.
That choice?
That’s where self-trust builds. That’s where better conversations start.
That’s where the magic is.
Let’s talk about how to make it easier—with 7 habits that actually work.
7 Habits of Open Minded People
You don’t have to be a monk, therapist, or super chill extrovert to be open minded.
You just need a few simple habits that help you pause, reflect, and stay grounded—even when you feel triggered or uncomfortable.
These aren’t magic fixes, but they DO make a difference.
Here’s what open minded people tend to practice (and yes, you can totally start today):
1. They Notice Judgment—And Get Curious Instead
It’s human to judge. But open minded people catch themselves in the act.
👉 Instead of thinking, “That’s ridiculous,” they ask,
“Why do I feel so strongly about this?” or
“What’s their story that I’m not seeing yet?”
That tiny pause? It shifts everything.
2. They Say, “Tell Me More” (Even If They Disagree)
This one takes practice. When something rubs them the wrong way, open minded people lean in instead of shutting down.
👉 They don’t fake agreement—they just create space.
“That’s interesting. Tell me more.”
It’s not approval. It’s curiosity. And it opens doors instead of slamming them.
You might also like: How To Talk To People And Hold Conversations Comfortably
3. They Ask Questions Before Making Assumptions
Ever jump to conclusions, only to realize you got the story wrong?
👉 Open minded people ask first.
“What did you mean by that?”
“Can you help me understand where you’re coming from?”
Clarity prevents a lot of unnecessary drama.
4. They Hang Out With People Who Think Differently
They don’t live in echo chambers.
They make space for uncomfortable conversations, books they wouldn’t normally pick up, and people with completely different views.
And no—it doesn’t mean they agree. It means they’re strong enough to listen.
5. They’re Willing to Say, “I Might Be Wrong”
This one’s HARD.
But open minded people know that being wrong isn’t weakness—it’s how we grow.
And sometimes, it feels GOOD to change your mind.
(Seriously. Try it.)
6. They Practice Self-Awareness, Not Self-Blame
When something triggers them, they don’t spiral into shame.
👉 They pause and ask,
“What’s this bringing up for me?”
“Why is this reaction so strong?”
That’s emotional intelligence in action.
7. They Keep Their Values—but Stay Flexible
Being open minded doesn’t mean having no boundaries or no opinions.
It means you hold your values with confidence—but also leave room for other people to hold theirs.
It’s strength AND softness. Clarity AND compassion.
THAT’S the balance. THAT’S the goal.
You might also like: 160 Short Positive Daily Affirmations
What Being Open Minded Is Not
Let’s clear something up—because a lot of us (especially women) have been taught that being open minded means being agreeable.
It doesn’t.
And it definitely doesn’t mean becoming a doormat or letting go of who you are.
Here’s what being open minded is NOT:
1. It’s Not Agreeing With Everything
You can respect someone’s opinion without adopting it.
You can say, “I hear you,” without saying, “You’re right.”
Open minded ≠ always saying yes.
2. It’s Not Being Passive
Being open doesn’t mean you stay quiet to keep the peace.
You can still speak up, still set boundaries, and still stand strong—you just do it with curiosity instead of defensiveness.
3. It’s Not Abandoning Your Values
Your VALUES are your roots.
Open mindedness doesn’t pull them out—it just helps you grow around them.
You’re not erasing who you are. You’re adding depth.
4. It’s Not Forcing Yourself to Tolerate Harm
Being open doesn’t mean you have to sit through disrespect, prejudice, or manipulation.
You’re allowed to say, “This crosses a line for me.”
You’re allowed to walk away.
Kindness and boundaries can coexist.
5. It’s Not About Always Being Neutral
You can have strong opinions and still stay open.
You don’t have to sit on the fence forever.
Being open minded just means you LISTEN before locking the gate.
Journal Prompts to Help You Practice Open Mindedness
You don’t have to overhaul your entire belief system overnight.
Sometimes, open mindedness STARTS with a quiet question and a few honest words on paper.
These prompts are here to help you notice what’s going on beneath the surface—without pressure, without judgment.
Pick one that speaks to you and see where it takes you.
- When’s the last time I changed my mind about something important? What helped me stay open?
- What’s a belief I hold strongly—and what would it feel like to explore another side of it?
- Who in my life challenges me in a good way? How do they help me grow?
- What topics or people do I shut down around—and why?
- What’s one area of life where I want to be more open minded? What’s holding me back?
- How do I usually react when someone disagrees with me? What would I like to try instead?
- What’s one thing I used to believe… that I see differently now? What changed?
These questions aren’t about finding the “right” answer.
They’re about making space—for growth, for grace, and for that next version of you who leads with both strength and softness.
You might also like: 50 Night Journal Prompts for Bedtime
For You
If you’ve made it this far, take a moment. Seriously—pause for just a second.
That little voice in you that wants to grow? That wants to listen more, judge less, and lead with curiosity instead of fear?
It matters. And so do you.
Being open minded isn’t about being perfect.
You’re not expected to agree with everything. You’re not here to please everyone.
You might also like: 30-Day Self-Improvement Challenge to Help You Improve
You’re here to keep learning, keep expanding, and keep becoming more of who you are—on purpose.
So the next time you feel yourself getting defensive, shutting down, or wanting to “win” an argument—
Remember: you can breathe. You can listen. You can hold your ground and stay open.
You’re already practicing. You’re already growing. You’re already doing better than you think.
And if no one’s told you this today?
We’re PROUD of you.
Thanks for being here 💛