How Do You Know If You Are Narrow-Minded or Broad-Minded?

What kind of person are you, narrow-minded or broad-minded? If asked, a large

majority would no doubt consider themselves to be broad-minded, but
objectively, would they all really be? You might not be aware of it, but could you
be manifesting the trait of narrow-mindedness?

If so, it will be having a negative impact on your family, friends, acquaintances,

employer, and co-workers. It can make them feel unhappy and awkward in your
company and cause them to avoid you. The conversation will often be stilted, as
others will be guarded in their dialogue.

How about if you’re broad-minded? When you’re pleasant, open, friendly, and
accommodating, people seek your company, and they are attracted to you like
you’re a magnet. Well, who could resist such traits?

If you are objective and honest enough to recognize that you may be narrow-
minded, you can make huge improvements to your personal happiness, if you
want to. The major point of recognition is that our personalities are not fixed, but
plastic, and we have the power to re-mold them. With some work and
mindfulness, you can grow to become a more pleasant and emotionally mature
individual.

Signs You May Be Narrow-Minded

Let’s say your team is brainstorming to conceptualize an action plan to achieve

your department’s quarterly goal. Or you and your significant other are discussing
plans for your house or a holiday. Each person has their experience and likely
have suggestions they wish to contribute. Do you automatically assume you’re
your idea is the most viable, best thought-out, and workable? Are you shocked
and surprised that others don’t see the magic in your plans?
You might think you’re doing others a favor by using your brilliant ideas. You may
be trying to convince them with your opinions and might even be argumentative
about it. You may be oblivious to the fact you’re exhibiting narrow-minded
behavior. Or you might know what you’re doing, but you’re too proud to accept
that there may be other better solutions.

Why are you behaving like this? You may not acknowledge other people’s ideas
because you always think you’re right and know better. This may be partly
unconscious behavior, but it will generally be perceived as smugness.

Another reason might be you have a “me first” mentality, and selfishness is the
root of it. If you have a “me first” attitude, you don’t care appropriately about
others. You may feel entitled and may have elements of a narcissistic personality.
As far as personal relationships go, you could end up being alone and lonely, with
no one to sympathize and comfort you in times of distress.

You could be prejudiced and discriminatory. You may judge others based on their
skin color, education, social status, culture, language, and nationality. You might
believe that one race is superior to the others in terms of character, skills, and
mental ability. Many people are not aware of their innate racism and can be in
total denial of it.

It helps to examine and ask yourself, “How would I feel if the positions were
reversed?” If you have found something negative in your personality, can you
accept it and resolve to change? Acknowledgment is a good start. You’re starting
to be more open-minded because you’re ready to embrace personality
development.

Signs You are Broad-Minded

When you’re broad-minded, you appreciate differences and frame these into
advantages rather than problems. You don’t look down on others because they
are different, knowing that this diversity can produce creativity and be part of the
solution.

You acknowledge that the other person has their own potential and ability just
like you regardless of race and nationality. You are fair and balanced in your
dealings and open to better ideas and ways of doing things. You embrace change
and progress and believe that more can be achieved if there is cooperation,
collaboration, and teamwork.

Benefits of Being Broad-Minded

You’re more successful when you are broad-minded because you’re open to new
opportunities and possibilities, such as a career change, higher education, or
relocation to improve your earning ability or lifestyle. You have a greater
willingness to accept change.

Being broad-minded can help prevent you from expecting too much from yourself
and other people. This doesn’t mean you’re complacent; you are able to accept
the reality and move on. When unrealistic expectations are not met, it can cause
and worsen health conditions such as hypertension, high blood pressure, obesity,
diabetes, or depression.

You will gain many more friends by being broad-minded. As a result, you have
happier and more fulfilling relationships whether in your private or professional
life. You will experience a more relaxed and comfortable lifestyle because of your
positive attitude. More positivity equals greater success and happiness.