Risk Changing Your Mind to Unlock a World of Possibilities

Have you ever (re)read a book after several years — maybe one of those required reading classics from high school — and discovered that it was so much better (or worse) than you remembered?

The same could be said of favorite movies, places you’ve been, or even possessions that you once believed you could not live without.

These things did not change, you did.

After all, life continually presents us with new information and experiences, so it makes sense that we would not have the same viewpoints or desires at 18, 30, 40, or 70.

Yet, as a society, we regard those who stand unwavering in their beliefs and pursuits as heroes to be admired and emulated.

But what happens if you change your mind?

What if you finally get that law degree you worked so hard for only to discover you hate practicing law?

Or, what if compelling new information or a personal experience causes you to shift your perspective toward a social issue that you have been passionately vocal about?

I think we all know the answer; you risk ridicule by others for looking weak, indecisive, and lacking in character.

Then there is the inevitable wave of guilt, the feeling that had you been smarter, or better informed you would have known and done better, to begin with.

When you think about it, sometimes the simple act of changing your mind requires an enormous amount of courage.

However, from a psychological standpoint, we are meant to question our thinking.

It is through the process of continual fine-tuning that we develop greater self-awareness, find new and better solutions to problems, and achieve more goals that matter.

The ability to change your mind is one of the most underrated keys to achieving your full potential.

I believe there are two kinds of people. One kind, you can just tell by looking at them that they’ve congealed into their final selves. It might be a very nice self, but you know you can expect no more surprises from it. Whereas, the other keeps moving, changing, and making new trysts with life and the motion of it keeps them young. In my opinion, they are the only people who are truly alive. ~Gail Godwin

The Courage to Change Your Mind

We all make decisions we regret, like buying something we don’t need and can’t afford just because it is on sale or agreeing to a commitment that we don’t have time for to avoid disappointing a friend.

Sometimes in the pursuit of one goal, we develop knowledge and skills that open a door to a new and more exciting pursuit.

Our priorities naturally evolve as we enter different phases of life, and as a result, we sometimes find ourselves outgrowing relationships.

Such experiences are normal, what matters most is how you choose to respond to them.

Some people are so vested in their opinions they interpret any information that challenges their way of thinking as a threat to their identity if not their entire way of life.

For others, changing their mind comes easily. So easily in fact, that they flip flop on everything. We call these people fickle and often discover the hard way that it’s best not to rely on them.

Then there are those few who have learned that the ability to change their mind in a healthy and productive way is the key to growth and greater life satisfaction.

They can remain open to understanding different perspectives without feeling threatened, and to accept accountability for their choices without worrying about the opinion of others.

Just because you thought something yesterday doesn’t mean you have to think it today. To challenge your opinions and change your mind about things is a strength, not a weakness. Don’t ever become a prisoner of your own opinions.

The Takeaway

Growth requires change, and all change begins in your mind.

I change my mind all the time, not necessarily in ways, you’d notice, and not about everything.

Beliefs aligned with my core values such as equality, justice, and compassion, have remained relatively consistent over the years.

Everything else is fair game.

And why not, the world is constantly changing, new information is revealed, and new options become available, so why should our thinking be forever unchanged?

Without periodically challenging our beliefs, we risk becoming so biased that we filter out conflicting information and discount opposing views, becoming prisoners of our own opinions.

There will be times when we end up making mistakes, regret a decision, but even then, with an open mind, you may discover something else — a bit of understanding and compassion for others who change their minds.

Sometimes the smallest change in perspective can transform a life.

What tiny shift in thinking might turn your world around?