Open-Mindedness Is a Superpower
- Functional Lifestyles
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Hey FunLifers,
When most people think about health, they think about diet, exercise, or maybe sleep. But here’s the truth: your mindset might be just as important—if not more.
And one of the biggest mindset divides I see is between being open-mindedand closed-minded.
We’ve all had those conversations where someone is so locked into their own view that nothing can break through. It’s frustrating, but it’s also dangerous. Closed-mindedness doesn’t just hurt your conversations—it keeps you stuck in life.
On the other hand, open-mindedness is like strength training for your brain. It makes you more resilient, adaptable, and capable of growth in every area of your life.
What Closed-Mindedness Looks Like
Closed-mindedness doesn’t usually show up as “I refuse to learn.” It’s more subtle. It looks like:
Fitness Myths You Refuse to Question
→ “Cardio is useless.”
→ “Strength training is bad for your joints.”
→ “If I’m not sore, it didn’t work.”
Each of these blanket statements shuts the door on learning and balance.
Nutrition Extremes
→ One camp says, “All carbs are evil.”
→ Another swears, “Vegetables are toxic.”
→ Others jump from keto to fasting to carnivore, looking for the one magic bullet.
Real health lives in the middle—but closed-minded thinking makes nuance uncomfortable.
Stress & Recovery Blind Spots
→ “Rest days are for the weak.”
→ “Meditation isn’t real training.”
This mindset leads to overtraining, burnout, and even injury. Ironically, it’s the very refusal to slow down that derails long-term progress.
Relationships
Ever been in an argument where both people were more interested in winning than understanding? That’s closed-mindedness in action. It shuts down empathy and keeps conflicts alive far longer than they need to be.
Career & Learning
→ “I already know enough.”
→ “That’s not how we’ve always done it.”
These are the mantras of stagnation. When you close yourself off to feedback or new skills, you cut yourself off from growth.
Why Open-Mindedness Matters for Health & Longevity
The science backs this up. Research links openness and curiosity to:
Lower stress levels → because flexible thinkers adapt instead of breaking under pressure.
Greater resilience → open-minded people bounce back faster after setbacks.
Better relationships → empathy and perspective-taking strengthen connection.
Longevity → curiosity and adaptability keep the brain sharp and engaged well into old age.
Think about it like physical training: muscles need tension and release to grow. Your mind works the same way. If you only ever repeat the same movements—or the same thoughts—you plateau.
How to Train an Open Mind
Here are a few practical ways to build “mental flexibility” just like you’d train your body:
Catch Your Reflex to Dismiss
When you hear an idea you disagree with, pause. Ask: “Why does this make me uncomfortable? Is there something here I can learn?”
Seek Out Different Perspectives
Read books, listen to podcasts, or talk to people with different backgrounds. You don’t have to agree—but exposure trains your brain to stay open.
Use the “Yes, And” Rule
Instead of shutting ideas down with “No, but…” try “Yes, and…” It shifts your brain into exploration rather than defense.
Practice Curiosity Daily
Whether in fitness, food, or relationships—replace judgment with curiosity. Instead of “That won’t work,” ask, “What if it did?”
A Challenge for This Week
The next time you find yourself pushing back against a new idea, pause and ask:
“Am I listening to understand, or just waiting to respond?”
That tiny shift can change the entire trajectory of a conversation—and over time, your life.
Final Thought
Closed-mindedness builds walls. Open-mindedness builds bridges. And those bridges connect us to better health, deeper relationships, and greater opportunities.
If you want to live a truly balanced life, don’t just train your body—train your mind to stay open.
I dig into this topic more deeply, with stories and examples you can apply today, in this week’s episode of Pursuit of Balance.
Stay curious,
Corey
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