Tap Into Open-Mindedness: Unlearning Intolerance

What kind of person are you, open-minded or intolerant? If asked, a large majority would no doubt consider themselves to be open-minded, but objectively, would they all really be? You might not be aware of it, but could you be manifesting the trait of intolerance?

If so, it will be having a negative impact on your family, friends, acquaintances, employer, and co-workers. It can make them feel unhappy and awkward in your company and cause them to avoid you. The conversation will often be stilted, as others will be guarded in their dialogue.

How about if you’re open-minded? When you’re pleasant, open, friendly, and accommodating, people seek your company, and they are attracted to you like you’re a magnet. Well, who could resist such traits?

If you are objective and honest enough to recognize that you may be less than accepting, you can make huge improvements to your personal happiness, if you want to. The major point of recognition is that our personalities are not fixed, but plastic, and we have the power to re-mold them. With some work and mindfulness, you can grow to become a more pleasant and emotionally mature individual.

Signs You Lack Tolerance

Let’s say your team is brainstorming to conceptualize an action plan to achieve your department’s quarterly goal. Or you and your significant other are discussing plans for your house or a holiday. Each person has their experience and likely has suggestions they wish to contribute. Do you automatically assume you’re your idea is the most viable, best thought-out, and workable? Are you shocked and surprised that others don’t see the magic in your plans?

You might think you’re doing others a favor by using your brilliant ideas. You may be trying to convince them with your opinions and might even be argumentative about it. You may be oblivious to the fact you’re exhibiting narrow-minded behavior. Or you might know what you’re doing, but you’re too proud to accept that there may be other better solutions.

Why are you behaving like this?

You may not acknowledge other people’s ideas because you always think you’re right and know better. This may be partly unconscious behavior, but it will generally be perceived as smugness.

The Me First Mentality

Another reason might be you have a “me first” mentality, and selfishness is the root of it. If you have a “me first” attitude, you don’t care appropriately about others. You may feel entitled and may have elements of a narcissistic personality. As far as personal relationships go, you could end up being alone and lonely, with no one to sympathize and comfort you in times of distress.

You could be prejudiced and discriminatory. You may judge others based on their skin color, education, social status, culture, language, and nationality. You might believe that one race is superior to the others in terms of character, skills, and mental ability. Many people are not aware of their innate racism and can be in total denial of it.

Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes

It helps to examine and ask yourself, “How would I feel if the positions were reversed?” If you have found something negative in your personality, can you accept it and resolve to change? Acknowledgment is a good start. You’re starting to be more open-minded because you’re ready to embrace personality development.

Signs You are Broad-Minded

When you’re open-minded, you appreciate differences and frame these into advantages rather than problems. You don’t look down on others because they are different, knowing that this diversity can produce creativity and be part of the solution.

You acknowledge that the other person has their own potential and ability just like you regardless of race and nationality. You are fair and balanced in your dealings and open to better ideas and ways of doing things. You embrace change and progress and believe that more can be achieved if there is cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork.

Benefits of Being Open-Minded

You’re more successful when you are open-minded because you’re open to new opportunities and possibilities, such as a career change, higher education, or relocation to improve your earning ability or lifestyle. You have a greater willingness to accept change.

Being open-minded can help prevent you from expecting too much from yourself and other people. This doesn’t mean you’re complacent; you are able to accept reality and move on. When unrealistic expectations are not met, it can cause and worsen health conditions such as hypertension, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or depression.

You will gain many more friends by being broad-minded. As a result, you have happier and more fulfilling relationships whether in your private or professional life. You will experience a more relaxed and comfortable lifestyle because of your positive attitude. More positivity equals greater success and happiness.

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