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Embrace the unknown -

If you want to be more open-minded, a good place to start is to embrace something entirely foreign to you. It needn’t be anything particularly daunting.

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Embrace the unknown -

It can be something as simple as reading a novel by an author you’ve never heard of, or signing up to a new exercise class at the gym.

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Don’t knock something before you’ve tried it - A common trait of close-minded people is that they tend to form negative opinions on things they know nothing about. Luckily, there is a simple way to combat this.

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Don’t knock something before you’ve tried it -

Next time you find yourself taking a negative stance on something, ask yourself what facts you have to back your opinion up. This should help you stay open to new things.

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Accept more invitations -

If you’re trying to be more open-minded, a good policy is to say yes to more invitations. You don’t have to accept everything, but try to go for at least 50%.

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Accept more invitations -

If possible, try and accept invitations to a wide variety of events (not just parties), as this is the best way to broaden your horizons.

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Acknowledge diverse opinions -

In your quest to become more open-minded, an important step is to acknowledge other people’s opinions. This applies to all areas of life, from religion to diet.

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Acknowledge diverse opinions -

Acknowledging other people’s opinions does not mean that you have to change your own, it simply requires you to see things from and respect another person’s perspective.

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Focus on the positives -

Another common trait of close-minded people is to focus on the negatives. Try and counter this by focusing on the good that can be found in each situation.

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Focus on the positives -

For example, you might be tempted to bemoan the fact that it’s raining on a Saturday. But why not turn this on its head and enjoy the coziness of listening to the rain patter on the roof?

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Shake up your routine - Mixing up your routine is a simple way to open up your mind and remind yourself that there is more than one way of living your life. Again, it needn’t be anything big.

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Shake up your routine -

It can be as simple as having cereal for breakfast instead of toast, or taking a different route on your way to work. You’ll be surprised how much lighter it makes you feel.

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Read more -

Reading widely is a great way to become more open-minded. Try to read a variety of different media, from books to magazines and blogs.

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Read more -

Why not visit your local bookstore or library this weekend and browse the books on offer until you find something that piques your interest? Try to finish it before the weekend’s out.

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Travel more -

This one is perhaps a little trickier since it involves money, but it is a good idea to travel if you can. Visiting another country is a great way to explore different cultures.

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Travel more -

If you have a limited budget, why not travel to a location just a few hours away from where you live? You’ll still be able to have fun and hopefully learn something new.

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Leave your comfort zone - It is very important that we all get out of our comfort zone once in a while. Choose something that makes you uncomfortable, and run towards it.

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Leave your comfort zone -

For example, if you’re scared of heights, try going indoor climbing. Make a list of five things that make you uncomfortable and try to tick them all off.

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Don’t judge people prematurely -

Judging someone before you get to know them is closed-minded behavior and should be avoided at all costs. Try always to chat with a person before forming any sort of opinion.

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Don’t judge people prematurely -

By giving everyone a chance, you’ll open yourself up to the possibility of more valuable relationships that will enrich your life.

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Ask lots of questions -

Remember that you can learn something new from every person you speak to. Whether it’s an old friend or a brand new colleague, make sure to ask them a question.

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Ask lots of questions -

It might be about their day, or what they’ve been reading. Either way, be sure to show interest and listen carefully to their answer.

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Make a diverse group of friends - A good way to broaden your horizons is to make friends with people from all different walks of life. You can of course keep your old friends too, but it can’t hurt to branch out.

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Make a diverse group of friends -

Why not strike up a conversation with someone at your yoga class, or approach a colleague you’ve not spoken to before? You’ll be surprised how it can enrich your life.

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Give it time -

This one is related to not knocking something before you’ve tried it. It is a good idea when you hear something you don’t agree with to give yourself a moment.

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Give it time -

Use that moment (or few moments) to consider all the arguments carefully and hopefully come to a more deliberated opinion.

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Practice intellectual humility -

Even if you think you are an expert on a given topic, it is a good idea to practice intellectual humility. This is about recognizing that the brain is imperfect and we all have things to learn.

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Practice intellectual humility -

Take a leaf out of the book of science communicator Bill Nye, who once said, “Everyone you will ever meet knows something that you don’t.”

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Encourage open-mindedness in others -

There are things you can do to encourage open-mindedness in other people, too. If you want to do this, try to avoid arguing with people and always be respectful.

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Encourage open-mindedness in others -

If you avoid arguing, people are less likely to feel attacked, and they will therefore have the space and willingness to adopt an open frame of mind.

Sources: (WikiHow) (Verywell Mind)

See also: Ways to improve your critical thinking

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