Important: Before you study this lesson please watch this video, “Why?“. Example: If you or your client are in a relationship and the other person displayed an attitude of not being “Truthful”, you’ll need to master, and you’ll need to educate your client the following: “Confront and Level!”, “Assertive Communications!”, as well as “I Feel Good, PST!”.
Make sure to answer the questions at the end and follow the instructions for submission!
We often find ourselves labeling someone as an open-minded person or a closed-minded person. And there is a huge difference between the two. If you are a part of a dynamic group of open-minded people, you are experiencing life to the fullest. Every day opens doors to new possibilities, every day brings new experiences, and every day renders an opportunity to grow.
But if you are someone who is a part of a group that consists of closed-minded people, you must have found yourself amid rigid ideas that cannot be discussed or altered. You must have experienced the same things over and over again as there is no room for new experiences, and every single day must have been exactly the same for you.
It is always advised to spend time with likeminded people. And it actually makes sense. Open-minded people in a group of a closed-minded people may feel suffocated and closed-minded people in a group of open-minded people might feel overwhelmed.
When a change is introduced, good or bad, closed-minded people find many ways to complain and resist, while under similar circumstances, open-minded people embrace the situation. They see change as an opportunity to explore and learn. While closed-minded people feel a deep urge to run back to their comfort zone, open-minded people see change as an adventure.
So, what do you think happens to people who resist change? Do you think they can make personal, professional, or spiritual progress? Do you think they ever reach their full potential or lead a fulfilling life? The answer is NO.
Life puts us through many situations that allow us to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. We get many chances to be flexible, to adapt, and to change. When we resist these situations, we say no to life. We refuse to grow, and we refuse to change. And that’s why we often hear people using the phrase “keep an open mind.”
So, what exactly is keeping an open mind? How is it different from keeping a closed mind, and how does it impact your life?
The key difference between open-minded and closed-minded people is that of acceptance. Acceptance of change, differences, and varying opinions.
Just by keeping an open mind, people alter their approach, improve their current state; they invite new possibilities and are capable of changing their perspective. No two days are the same since open-minded people are always learning, growing, and looking for new ways and new ideas to improve their lives.
Benefits of keeping an open mind
How would you feel if while having a conversation, one person kept shutting you down, continued to make statements, and dismissed your ideas? We bet you’d feel pretty bad and exhausted. Well, these are a few signs of closed-minded people.
Closed-minded people often prefer staying within their locus. It’s because they are too rigid to accept new ideas and perspectives, they are often afraid of leaving their comfort zone. Situations are often either completely black or completely white for them. They are either right or wrong. There is no middle ground.
As a result, closed-minded people prefer shutting others down and are dismissive of new ideas. They don’t even give these ideas a chance. They believe they are always right and frequently have a set of reasons to justify their theories. Instead of having a discussion, closed-minded people often get into disagreements. Instead of seeing and exploring other perspectives, they often find themselves justifying their statement
As a result, they lead their lives with a judgmental attitude and have a limited social circle. They become obsessed with righteousness and unconsciously confine themselves further. They find it extremely hard to get along with people who have different views toward anything.
In the case of open-minded people, they embrace diversity. Because they are always open to new ideas, thoughts, ways, and perspectives, they get more varying experiences that help them lead a more fulfilling life.
Though open-minded people have their own set of opinions, unlike closed-minded people, they are always aware that there could be other or better opinions. Since they are highly flexible and more curious, they get along with a lot of people.
Imagine staying confined to a particular set of ideas, thoughts, and experiences for the rest of your life. Scary, isn’t it?
Sometimes, our beliefs and perceptions hold us back. They do not allow us to be happy, embrace change, or welcome new ideas. When we make perceptions to early, we close the doors and are left with only those resources that are inside those closed doors. With time, these perceptions become shackles and we become a prisoner to our own beliefs. Just imagine, if only we could break these shackles, if we could let go of our rigid perceptions, and if we could gather the courage to welcome change. Wouldn’t it feel great to be free?
Becoming and open-minded person
Many people claim that they are open minded, but the reality is often different. If you are someone who is living in a confined space and you want to be free from the shackles, we are here to help you. As a wise man said, if you are not OK with your current state of life, you can move. After all, you are not a tree. And if you have made up your mind, we can help you move toward a more fulfilling and happier life.
The very first step is the hardest. This step will push you and will test your patience. This step might also press your buttons. But it’s one of the most crucial steps.
First, become a better listener
Even if the ideas offend you, even if you have different beliefs, even if they make you angry, be patient and listen. The key to being open minded is to not be dismissive of new ideas. We all can disagree with each other and still live with each other. The thought behind it is to listen to the idea, take it in, analyze it, and see if you can accept it. If you can, great! You’ve just learned something. If not, great! You’ve just learned something about yourself.
The second step is to be more open to new experiences. You don’t like action movies? Go, watch one. You don’t like traditional music, give it a try. You don’t like certain people, go and make small talk. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new hobby or a new friend?
The third step is to ask questions. When we were young, our teachers and professors would often encourage us to ask questions. But as we grew up, we ditched that practice.
With time we become too self-involved, and sometimes due to the fear of embarrassment or the fear of speaking up, we refrain from asking questions.
Asking questions always enhances your insights; it helps you increase your knowledge base, and it helps you to get to know a person better. Sometimes, due to our own conceptions, we refrain from trying out new things. When you ask questions, you get a clear vision. Knowledge is an effective antidote to fear.
When you are open minded, you accept new ideas, you become more social, you get along with more people and you become happier. Every day bringsnew possibilities and new opportunities to learn, grow and be morejoyful.
The essay
Please write an essay, up to two pages, about a past experience you or someone you know had when you were not open minded. Tell us in detail, who, what, when, where, why, to whom, the time, the place of what you did. The outcome! And tell us in detail how you could have changed that use from what you learned today so the outcome would have been good. Internalize this lesson. Make it become a part of you. Share your thoughts in the Forum!
Our advice is for you to practice “Being Open Minded” for at least a week. Tell others around you to point out any event in which you didn’t. Have them hold you accountable. Visit the “Forum” and do a “CONFESSION”.
What is a “CONFESSION”? A CONFESSION IS WHEN YOU’VE DISPLAYED A WRONG BEHAVIOR AND WERE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BY ONE OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, PEERS, OR EVEN BY YOU. VISIT THE “FORUM” AND TELL US ABOUT IT. WE WILL GIVE YOU FEEDBACK! MAKE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO ABOUT “CONFESSION” FOR MORE DETAILS! FURTHERMORE, BECOME A MEMBER OF THE FORUM AND GIVE FEEDBACK TO OTHERS. “That’s how you gain practice in becoming a CERTIFIED LIFE COACH!
Read the article? Time for introspection!
Please answer the following here “Print Your Work Book, PDF Or, Word“
- How has being in a circle of open-minded people transformed your life?
- What do you think is the difference between open-minded and closed-minded people? Would you consider yourself an open-minded person?
- On the scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your listening skills?
- What new experiences have you had recently? Which one was your favorite?
- When you come across a new perspective do you ask questions, or do you simply dismiss the idea?
Sources
https://fs.blog/2017/09/open-closed-minded/
https://everydaypower.com/how-to-become-an-open-minded-person/
This module includes the following:
- Introduction
- Why Become a Life Coach
- Truthful
- Dependable
- Zealous
- Open Mindedness
- Humble
- Kindhearted
- Being Neutral
- Appreciation
- Attitude Check & Confession
- I Feel Good, PST™
- Why?
There is no way any relationship will survive without having the qualities mentioned above.
Make sure to read each article carefully at least three time. Answer all questions and write your essay! Once done, submit your answers and essay on “Print Your Work Book, PDF Or, Word“
Once you have completed this entire journey, you will be issued a Life Coach Certificate.
I am thankful that you have given me this opportunity to share all of this with you. May God bless you and bring prosperity and peace into your life.
Respectfully yours,
George Tannous, PhD
This is Where Confessions, Attitude Checks, Accountability, Give and Receive Feedback Comes in. Practice for Your Own Practice!
Once you have completed this entire journey, you will be issued a Life Coach Certificate. Must participate in our Forums to get certified! You’ll achieve your internship by joining and partcipating in our “Forums”.
Well, you might be asking yourself “How am I going to get practice for my practice?” Great question and I thought you’ll never ask!
#1 You are part of a group with the same interests.
#2 You have a question in regards to one of your clients and we are here to help you.
#3 Others have questions and you can give feedback and help them.
#4 You need to do a confession.
#5 And much more.
You Are Never Alone! Join the Forums!