"if you don't go through life with an open mind you will find a lot of closed doors"- Mark W. Perrett
Pregame Prep (today's overview)
Being open minded allows you the opportunity to learn, grow, and change. I want you to recognize the danger in "I already know that" or "we've always done it this way"
When you think you know something it's easy to put up a barrier that nothing can cross and you miss out on a potential learning opportunity.. You can ignore the familiar or you can use it as a deeper reflection point an opportunity to grow and expand.
We often feel a sense of pride in knowing we are right. The conviction that you already know what is going to be said is a problem that most people have. We don't always have to be right, and most of the time it doesn't even matter who is right or wrong.
I am not asking you to change your stances on topics you feel strongly about, I am only suggesting that you open your mind and respect other people's ideas or thoughts and learn from opposing views. Do not get stuck in an echo chamber of people who always agree.
When you think you know something it's easy to put up a barrier that nothing can cross
Film Review (my experience)
I have lived my life with an open mind, I'd like to tell you this is because I realized how powerful an open mind can be, but honestly I didn't realize this until much later in my life. I never felt like I was smart enough to have an opinions on some topics or maybe I just didn't care enough to have an opinion. I've always had this voice in my head, the thought what if that isn't right, how are you so sure. It was much later in my life that I realized these thoughts were actually helpful in many regards.
I have learned to filter and find value in a wide variety of sources. A few examples, I've learned valuable lessons from Dave Ramsey, Jim Cramer, and Suze Orman. I've heard all the popular opinions of these people, all the whispers like he's an idiot, I don't agree with his religious background, she's a lesbian… Whatever… You don't have to agree with everything they say, you shouldn't agree with everything anyone says! Are they wrong about some things, sure isn't everyone? I'm not asking or advising you to listen to everything or everyone all the time, but if you can find value even if you don't fully agree you'll find great benefit getting out of echo chambers where everyone is just agreeing with each other.
I have found the most unexpected lessons from my coaches, mentors, and leaders. For instance when I met with a stock market guru I learned more about networking than I did about stocks. A real estate mogul taught me how important focus is to success. I have a doctor who taught me more about money than health. Its fine to ask questions about an experts forte, its totally expected and I encourage it. I also encourage you to be open to learning other lessons as well. These unexpected lessons have been more valuable to me and have impacted me more than I ever expected.
Offensive Game Plan (actions to obtain freedom)
Put aside preconceived notions, be open to lessons you don't expect!
Change your routines, change your thoughts. Instead of doing things the same way, look for the strange and unusual, find new directions to "this is how it's always done", seek out people you normally wouldn't listen to, try something you think you'd never enjoy, attend an event where you are uncomfortable.
Introduce something totally random or unknown into your life. Tell your spouse or your friend that you will say yes to whatever they suggest (with some boundaries you define).
Try to use a new random word every day, or try a new food once a week.
Expand your comfort zone, stretch yourself and you will never be the same!
Defensive Game Plan (actions to defend your freedom)
Do not fall into dogmatic thoughts. Do not treat something as true without question or allowance just because everyone else in the group believes it to be true!
Don't feel anger if you are wrong, Don't feel anger if you think someone else is wrong! Don't get annoyed get curious!
Take a moment to consider some arguments that might challenge your ideas, be willing to accept other peoples point of view.
Post-Game Review (key takeaway)
It is fine to not agree with a person or something, that doesn't mean you have to totally block it out. You are going to miss out on so many opportunities to grow, to expand if you get stuck in the "we've always done it this way" or "I already know that" or "I don't agree with her lifestyle" or "he doesn't share the same religious beliefs" or "he voted for …."
You can only fill your cup of knowledge if you allow yourself to be empty, don't close your mind to different ideas, even if you disagree with someone or something. Find value in areas you don't always expect, open your mind by opening doors! Get out of your comfort zone!
Hey Coach! (Connect with me)
Email me How are you opening your mind this week? What offensive challenge are you going to accept?
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