Critical Thinking, Openness and Learning Mindset
While the skills of Critical Thinking and Openness/Learning Mindset are from two different dimensions of IDG (Thinking and Being), I think that they compliment each other very well.
I know that, as we get older, we can find ourselves set in our beliefs, thoughts and ways of doing things. I, for one, have found myself simplifying things so that they fit into the way I see the world. It can be upsetting to have your views challenged. But I believe that this is a challenge we should all be embracing. Especially in this divisive world that we currently live in, taking the time to genuinely listen to someone who has a different point of view can lead to great growth and learning.
I’ve always been afraid of conflict and confrontation. This is one of the reasons I don’t like participating in debates. My partner, on the other hand, loves in-depth discussions and debates on controversial subjects. It isn’t a matter of confronting the other person and trying to “win” the debate. But rather exploring topics that are complex and learning about how the other person sees and interprets things.
Having witnessed him having these conversations with others, I can see the value in being open to talking with people who you disagree with. By approaching it as an opportunity to learn, you are nurturing a growth mindset. It is then your responsibility to use your critical thinking skills to decide whether you should adopt these new opinions or not.
I’m curious, have there been times in the past where you found your beliefs changing, and what was that like?
Also, what is one area of your life that you think you could be more open to growing in?
@OtterlyPositive
Not to comment on my own post, but I figured I should answer my own prompts before asking others to do so:
There have definitely been times in the past where I've found my beliefs or views changing with the presence of new information, or a new point of view. While I was resistant at first, once I understood the other point-of-view, it was almost a relief of like - Ohhh!!! I get it. I might not agree with it, but I get it. At the end of the day, we're all human, and we all more or less want the same things.
As for an area of my life I think I could be more open with - I'm pretty resistant to technology. I don't like change, and technology changes FAST. I think I could definitely work on being better at embracing new technlogies and incorporating them into my life!
Upon reflection, I am now realizing that this concept also uses a skill from the fourth dimension - Inclusive mindset and Intercultural competence ! I guess everything is connected :)
@OtterlyPositive one area I could be more open to growing in is being comfortable with disagreement. Like you, I tend to avoid debates because I don’t like conflict, but I’m learning that respectful discussions can be really valuable. 💙
@PeacefulWords2025
Mm! I so relate to this! I think as kids we're kind of taught to "get along", so it's hard to break out of that as an adult, and realize that we're allowed to have our own opinions and disagree respectfully!
@OtterlyPositive, I appreciate your insights! It's so true that critical thinking and an open mindset complement each other well. Embracing different perspectives can be uncomfortable but often leads to personal growth and deeper understanding. It’s inspiring to hear how your partner engages in discussions. Seeing conflict as an opportunity to learn rather than a chance to win is a valuable approach.
@Poppy2007
Thank you for your kind words!! I also find it inspiring 🥰 It's helpful to keep in mind when faced with conflict. Thank you for sharing! 💕
@OtterlyPositive, I completely agree that Critical Thinking and an Openness/Learning Mindset complement each other beautifully. It’s easy to become set in our beliefs as we get older, and challenging our views can feel uncomfortable. I've also shied away from conflict, but I admire how my partner embraces discussions on complex topics. It’s a reminder that engaging with different perspectives can foster growth and understanding. I’ve experienced moments when my beliefs were challenged, and those were often catalysts for deeper understanding and personal growth.
@Poppy2007
I love this so much! I couldn't relate to this more. Thank you for sharing! 💗
@OtterlyPositive
yeah i have felt it very recently , my career choice i felt like i wanted to be a researcher peacefully working on my research
however recently smthing changed, i wish to serve and help people, interact with them and help them grow!
its a massive 180 ° shift but its refreshing!
@mindfulofthoughts
That's awesome! I've experienced a similar shift myself, career-wise, recently. I'm so glad you are following your instinct!
I've experienced shifts in my beliefs, especially after diving into new ideas during my studies. It was both challenging and enlightening to let go of some old views. One area I’d like to grow more in is embracing change in my daily routine—I tend to stick to what I know, and being more flexible could really help. Your insights on using conflict as a learning opportunity really resonate with me. @OtterlyPositive
@CompassionCompass
"it was both challenging and enlightening" - wow, what a statement! It's so true though - some of the most challenging things can be the most positively life-changing things! So many things hold these contradictions within themselves. Thank you for sharing!!
@OtterlyPositive This is such a thoughtful and well-rounded reflection—you did a great job connecting the dimensions of Thinking and Being through Critical Thinking and an Openness/Learning Mindset. I can feel your honesty and self-awareness throughout, especially in how you acknowledge both your resistance to conflict and your partner’s contrasting approach. That balance between introspection and learning from others is powerful.
To answer your questions:
Yes, I’ve definitely had moments where my beliefs shifted—especially around how people change. I used to think personality and habits were fixed, but the more I learn about neuroplasticity, trauma, and even the influence of environment, the more I realize people can grow in ways I didn’t think were possible before. It was a bit disorienting at first, but ultimately freeing. Letting go of black-and-white thinking helped me see others—and myself—with more compassion.
As for your second question: one area I could grow more in is letting go of control. I love analyzing and finding solutions, but sometimes being too focused on "figuring it all out" keeps me from just being present and open to unexpected outcomes. I think I could benefit from trusting the process more, especially in uncertain situations.
How about you? Is there a specific moment when your perspective changed drastically because of a conversation or experience?
@Ayanna8615
Thank you so much for your kind words and your thoughtful response! It's nice to take the time and reflect on the way we perceive our world. I can totally relate to being too focused on goals at times too!
To answer your question, I do remember a time where a belief shifted in me. As a young adult, I had this very ingrained belief that you should not try to change your partner in a romantic relationship. The whole point of dating was to find someone who perfectly matched your wants and needs. So I was never getting very far in relationships because I would discover something that I didn't like, and move on. Only when I met my partner, who probed deeper when I tried to break things off, did I learn that relationships involve compromise and that it's okay to "change" in little ways for the sake of someone else. It doesn't mean you are changing your core values, or who you are as a person. So that was a big shift, and I've really benefitted from that change!
@OtterlyPositive
Hi! Thank you for interesting post! Let me say that, one area I could be more open to growing in is receiving constructive criticism. I sometimes take feedback personally, but I know it’s a valuable tool for learning and self-improvement. It's hard, but it could really be important in life
@timabo7055
I think that's quite common - it's hard not to take criticism personally! Good on you for recognizing that as an area to work on :)
@OtterlyPositive
I think I grew up with the belief that I was always an adult I felt like I wasn't able to live life as a child. People always said to me oh you're mature you look like a very serious person. For a long time I portrayed maturity and seriousness because people made me believe that I should be built like that and believed that's true I should behave this certain way because otherwise I'll be frowned upon. I'm still in my 20s right now and I went from seeing myself as an adult to a complete child. Today this belief has changed and I think I'm childish. I like to embrace it more than ever because I was forced to grow up like an adult. Now I feel free to be myself without these constraints.
At this point in my life I think I'm open to growth in every area of it. There's a lot more to experience, there's a lot more to try and that means there's a lot of room for growth yet to come.
@benevolentCloud9834
I can really relate to this! I remember called "mature" when I was a child, and at the time I thought it was a compliment. Not to say it's not, but I do feel like I missed out on a bit of my childhood as a result of trying to be so "adult". Now, I definitely see myself as a big kid! With balance of course, but it's nice to feel free to be who I am.
Thank you for sharing your story :)
