How to Become a More Open Person

Being open to new ideas and understanding other people’s point of view allows each of us to grow as individuals. Sometimes it’s hard to forget what we’ve been taught or to learn a new way of thinking. There are ways to become a more open person. You just have to put yourself out there and make a concentrated effort.

Instructions

1. Talk to people of different cultures and persuasions online to break the ice. Use the Internet to help you overcome your fears and meet new people. It’s easier to talk to people online. Talking in chat rooms with others will educate you and help in the “real” world.

2. Put yourself into situations you wouldn’t normally take part in. By doing new things and meeting new people, you make yourself available to learning a different perspective. Being a more open person is all about broadening your horizons and accepting people and things as they are. To do this you have to experience things you aren’t used to or may not agree with.

3. Listen to other viewpoints. If you really take the time to listen to what someone is telling you, it will be easier to find common ground. You don’t have to agree with everything he is saying, but be open to the possibility that it is correct for him. Being a more open person doesn’t mean you have to change everything you believe in. It just means you need to accept what others believe without judging.

4. Study new ideas. If someone approaches you with an idea that is totally alien, don’t just discount it out of hand. Find ways to study up on the idea and learn exactly what it means. Expanding our education is never a bad thing. You may find you agree with what they are saying more than you thought once you really know what the concept means.

5. Be patient with yourself. It will take time for you to get comfortable in new situations. You’ll need time to let things sink in and absorb new ideas. Don’t rush yourself. Take your time and really get to understand what’s happening and how it affects you. Think about the positives of new people you meet and not the negatives. Opening yourself up to new ideas and concepts isn’t easy. It takes a strong person to put herself out there and try to change. Change is one of the hardest things for human beings to do, but it can bring about great rewards if achieved.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for the positives in new situations.

• Look for things you have in common when talking with new people.

• Think about the ways you are different to others and how they accept you.