The truth isn’t owned—it’s explored. Open minds grow; closed ones wither. Which path are you walking?
I know a guy who’s in a professional position who just likes to get into fights with other people in the same profession. He’s convinced he has the truth and everyone other than those who agree with him are wrong. He goes from one argument to another in an almost nonstop fashion. Perhaps you know folks like this. They can wear you out. I’m certain no one has ownership of the full truth and we can learn from each other. When we lock ourselves into a fixed position, we also exclude any new data that may be important for us to learn. We don’t have to back away from what we believe. It is, however, important to have an openness to other possibilities. Do you have a closed door? Or, are you open to information that challenges what you think and what you believe? At a minimum, it’s important to listen and to evaluate. It’s better to ask questions so that one understands the other person’s position. When we have greater understanding, we can make a much more accurate evaluation of their position and perhaps how it may influence ours. Open minds lead to growth. Closed minds lead to decay.
- Are you genuinely listening to others, or just waiting for your turn to speak?
- How often do you challenge your own beliefs with new perspectives?
- Can you recall a time when being open-minded completely changed your stance?
- Do you surround yourself with people who think differently from you?
- What’s one belief you’ve held for years that could use a fresh look today?