Over the years I’ve had some bad reactions to medications for health problems, which has made me hesitant to take any prescription drugs, or even over-the-counter ones. 

A few years ago, a friend suggested NAET treatment for allergies for my son and me. 

Because of my past experiences, I didn’t even research it or consider trying it. 

It was a couple years later that I realized we could have relieved our food sensitivity symptoms sooner if I had listened to her.

This experience made me think about how being close-minded can sometimes hold us back. 

Whether it’s a fear of the unknown, sticking to what we know, or simply not being exposed to new ideas, there are many reasons why we might shut ourselves off from potential solutions or perspectives. 

In this post, we will discuss some common reasons why people become close-minded and how we can work towards being more open-minded. 

1. Mental Comfort

• Explanation: People like feeling comfortable in their beliefs. When new ideas challenge what they already think, it can feel uncomfortable, so they often stick with what they know.

2. Seeking Confirmation

• Explanation: We all like to be right! People tend to look for information that agrees with what they already believe and ignore anything that doesn’t.

3. Belonging to a Group

• Explanation: Being part of a group feels good. Sometimes, to fit in and be accepted, people adopt the group’s beliefs and avoid thinking differently.

4. Fear of the Unknown

• Explanation: New things can be scary. People might resist new ideas because they are afraid of change or the unknown.

5. Limited Exposure

• Explanation: If people aren’t exposed to different ideas or don’t have much education on a topic, they might stick to what they know because it’s all they’ve experienced.

6. Personality Traits

• Explanation: Some people naturally prefer routine and certainty. They may find comfort in sticking to familiar ideas and avoiding new ones.

7. Cultural Norms

• Explanation: The culture around us influences our thinking. If a society values tradition and conformity, people might be less open to new ideas.

8. Past Experiences

• Explanation: Personal history, especially negative experiences, can make people cautious. They might hold on to certain beliefs as a way to protect themselves.

9. Thinking Skills

• Explanation: Critical thinking helps us evaluate different ideas fairly. Without these skills, people might find it easier to stick with what they already believe.

By understanding these reasons, we can start to identify areas in our own lives where we might be close-minded and take steps to open ourselves up to new possibilities.

Taking a closer look at our own beliefs and attitudes can be a powerful way to grow. 

Consider spending some time reflecting on the reasons why you might be close-minded in certain areas. 

Use the list above as a guide to inspect different aspects of your life. Keeping a journal can help you track your thoughts and identify patterns. 

Write about moments when you felt resistant to new ideas and try to understand what was behind that resistance. 

This process can be eye-opening and help you start making changes towards being more open-minded.

Now that we’ve explored why people might be close-minded, let’s look at some practical steps you can take to open your mind to new possibilities.