Everybody always says to remain open to new possibilities…but how do you actually do that?

First, we want to determine a baseline…AKA, how open of a person are you, actually?

It’s easy to say you’re an “open” person, but it’s harder to actually be one.

Take a quick assessment of your level of openness by asking these questions.

Am I open to new experiences?

Do I embrace diversity?

Do I cope with change well?

Do I listen more than I talk?

Do I acknowledge and learn from my mistakes?

Do I have a high level of curiosity about myself, the world, and others?

Do I handle feedback well?

Am I a flexible thinker?

Am I comfortable expressing myself?

Do I have a high tolerance for ambiguity?

If you answered “yes” to…1–4 of the questions, your openness is low

5–7 of the questions, your openness is average

8–10 of these questions, your openness is high

So, what do you do if you want to improve your level of “openness”?

Embrace mistakes, seeing them as an opportunity rather than a failure

Practice vulnerability, sharing your feelings and words with others authentically

Challenge your assumptions, question your own beliefs, and consider alternative perspectives frequently.

Read widely, exposing yourself to different literature, stories, and experiences.

Practice mindfulness to help you stay present and open to the current moment, enhancing self-awareness and reducing judgment.

Remaining open to possibilities and the goodness and newness of yourself and others allows you to live a more enriched life, inviting change, growth, and opportunity.

Being honest with yourself and assessing your level of openness in life allows you to do so.