There are certain things in life that become more challenging with age, and maintaining an open mind is definitely one of them.

I’ve tried and tested this theory myself, and let me tell you, it’s not a walk in the park.

You don’t even realize when it starts to happen.

You might just gradually notice that your viewpoints are getting more rigid, your perspectives more cemented, and suddenly, you’re not that open-minded individual you once prided yourself on being.

In fact, there’s this gnawing feeling within you that you’re becoming the very person you swore you’d never turn into – close-minded and resistant to change.

Here’s how to determine if you’re unknowingly holding onto habits that are making you less open-minded as you age – and how to bid them farewell for good.

1) You’re stuck in your ways

As we age, it’s natural to fall into certain patterns or routines. They feel comfortable, familiar, and safe.

But these very routines could be what’s keeping you from becoming more open-minded.

You see, when you’re stuck in your ways, you’re essentially saying no to new experiences and perspectives. You’re choosing the comfort of what’s known over the thrill and enrichment of what’s new and unknown.

And it’s not always glaringly obvious – it could be as simple as always ordering the same dish at a restaurant or as significant as refusing to consider a different point of view in a debate.

If your answer to something new is usually a knee-jerk ‘no’, or ‘that’s not how I do things’, then it’s time to reassess. 

It’s time to bid goodbye to this habit of sticking to routines and comfort zones.

2) You’re quick to judge

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of this one. I’d meet someone new or come across a different idea, and before I knew it, I’d already formed an opinion about it. 

This mental habit of jumping to conclusions without considering all aspects was a serious roadblock in my journey to becoming more open-minded.

You see, when you judge something or someone too quickly, you’re essentially closing the door on potential growth and learning. You’re denying yourself the chance to understand and appreciate diversity.

If you find yourself forming instant opinions without giving it much thought or exploration, it’s definitely something to work on. It’s crucial to cultivate patience and give things and people a fair chance before making any judgments.

After all, isn’t that what being open-minded is all about?

3) You’re not asking enough questions

There was a time when I thought I had all the answers. It felt good, and gave me a sense of control. But then I realized that this very notion was closing me off to new thoughts, ideas, and perspectives.

I remember being at a social gathering where a heated discussion on climate change was going on. I had strong opinions about it and felt pretty confident about my understanding of the issue. 

But halfway through the conversation, I realized that everyone else was offering fresh insights and perspectives that I hadn’t considered before.

That was my moment of revelation – I wasn’t asking enough questions. I wasn’t curious enough to learn more, to understand better. I was so convinced by my own knowledge and beliefs that I didn’t feel the need to question or explore further.

If you’re like how I was, believing you know enough and not feeling the need to probe further, it’s time for a change. 

Embrace curiosity, ask more questions, and open yourself up to learning and growing continuously.

4) You’re not embracing change

Did you know that the human brain is naturally wired to resist change? It’s a survival mechanism, designed to keep us safe by sticking to what’s familiar. 

But in doing so, it can often limit our growth and openness.

I’ve seen it in my own life and in others around me. We cling to old ways of thinking, old habits, and resist anything that threatens to disrupt our status quo.

But here’s the thing – change is inevitable. It’s the only constant in life. And if we want to be more open-minded, we have to learn to embrace it rather than fight it.

So if you’re still holding on to outdated beliefs or resisting new ways of doing things because they’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable, it’s time for a reality check.

5) You’re not stepping out of your comfort zone

It’s cozy there, isn’t it? In your comfort zone where everything is predictable and familiar. 

But here’s the harsh truth – it’s also the place where growth stagnates.

To become more open-minded, we need to challenge ourselves, to step into the unknown, and to face our fears. 

It isn’t always pleasant – I can vouch for that. 

There have been times when I’ve felt uncomfortable, even terrified. But those were the moments when I grew the most.

So if you’ve been playing it safe, sticking to what you know and avoiding anything that feels uncomfortable or challenging, it’s time to reconsider. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone is a powerful way to become more open-minded as you age. It might not be easy, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth it.

6) You’re not practicing empathy

One of the biggest roadblocks to open-mindedness is the inability to see things from another person’s perspective. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but our personal experiences and views don’t encompass the entirety of reality.

I’ve been there, getting so wrapped up in my own thoughts and beliefs that I failed to consider how others might feel or think. 

But over time, I realized that empathy isn’t just about understanding others but also about expanding my own perspective.

If you find yourself struggling to understand or accept differing viewpoints, it might be time to work on your empathy skills. 

Open-mindedness isn’t just about accepting new ideas but also about understanding and respecting the thoughts and opinions of others. And empathy is a key tool in achieving that.

7) You’re not seeking diverse experiences

Here’s something I’ve come to realize – staying in the same environment, interacting with the same people, consuming the same kind of content – they all contribute to a narrow view of the world.

I made conscious efforts to change that. I started seeking out experiences and people that were different from what I was used to. I watched movies from different cultures, read books on varied subjects, struck up conversations with people who had different life experiences.

And guess what? It broadened my horizons like nothing else.

If you’re cocooned in your own little world, it’s time to break free. Seek diversity in your experiences and interactions. It’s an incredible way to enhance your open-mindedness as you grow older.

8) You’re not embracing self-reflection

Of all the habits I’ve mentioned, this is perhaps the most crucial one. Self-reflection is the key to personal growth and open-mindedness.

Throughout my journey, I’ve had to face some hard truths about myself. I’ve had to question my beliefs, confront my biases, and acknowledge my mistakes. It wasn’t always pleasant, but it was necessary.

If you’re not regularly taking the time to reflect on your thoughts and actions, or if you’re avoiding introspection because it’s uncomfortable, it’s time for a change. 

Embrace self-reflection. It’s the gateway to understanding yourself better and in turn, becoming more open-minded.

Embrace the journey

If you’ve recognized yourself in these behaviors, don’t beat yourself up. We’re all works in progress and acknowledging these habits is the first step towards becoming more open-minded.

The path to open-mindedness is about making small, consistent changes over time. Start by questioning your existing beliefs and stepping out of your comfort zone. Be curious, seek diverse experiences, and practice empathy.

Reflect on your actions, challenge your biases, and embrace the beauty of change. And most importantly, remember to be patient with yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is an open mind.

This journey may not always be comfortable or easy, but it’s definitely worth it. By saying goodbye to these behaviors, you’ll not only become more open-minded but also experience personal growth on a whole new level.

As you embark on this journey, I leave you with a quote from George Bernard Shaw: “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

So here’s to changing our minds and embracing progress. Here’s to becoming more open-minded as we get older.