Being Open-Minded Is One of The Greatest Attributes of A Good Writer
It’s all about thinking outside the box and embracing new ideas
One of the amazing things about being a writer is that it gives one the opportunity to use well-thought ideas in a creative manner.
To be open-minded is to be receptive to new ideas, information and arguments. In a world that constantly changes, being able to step outside one’s comfort zone while leaving room for varying perspectives is important.
Ideas require constant evaluation, understanding and application. As a writer gains more experience with writing, it should bring new insight and gradually reform the way he thinks.
Indeed, open-mindedness also means removing every form of personal bias from a situation and analyze it objectively and reasonably.
For every writer, having an open mind is helpful because :
- It is the perfect opportunity to experience growth.
- It helps you share new experiences with others.
- It comes with a unique form of positivity and optimism.
- It helps you fully grasp and understand the reasoning of others.
If you desire to be a more open-minded writer, here’s what you can do:
1. Don’t stop thinking
Indeed, great writers are great thinkers. They never stop thinking about everything.
Better thinking leads to better writing. What you write also shows how much of a thinker you are.
"Writing is thinking. to write well is to think clearly. That's why it is so hard." - David McCullough
What we write is prompted by what we see, think, feel and how much goes on around us. Writing is that tool that many writers use to clear their thoughts. While writing, we are often forced to think critically.
In the words of Steph Smith, writing and thinking are two peas in a pod because while improving your writing, you are also improving your thinking.
Be open-minded towards learning new writing techniques and styles. It doesn’t hurt to try something new. Gain new knowledge by constantly thinking outside the box.
2. Discuss with others
The best thing you can do as a writer is to allow your mind become a breeding ground for more thoughts and action.
Put everything up for discussion. Personally, I feel lighter when I talk about things. It gives me the perfect opportunity to get more ideas from others. It also allows me have a deeper perspective on whatever the subject matter is.
The human mind is diverse; people tend to have varying perspectives on every issue. We can always learn from others because no one has a monopoly on knowledge.
However, simply agreeing to everything someone else says may not show that you are open-minded. Ask questions where necessary, but listen and learn too.
“ A good discussion increases the dimension of everyone who takes part.” — Randolph Bourne
3. Place great value on feedback
It may be tough to listen to a dissenting voice, but not everyone who criticizes you is trying to frustrate you. Some may be doing it out of genuine concern.
Suggestions and observations may be made by others because they have your best interest at heart.
When receiving feedback, it is advisable to reflect on it and understand what the critic is trying to show you. There is something called constructive criticism; it could help any writer that receives it in good stride.
“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” — Bill Gates
4. Keep building your level of confidence
Most times, we don’t start writing with as much clarity at the beginning. It’s a steady process that requires corrections and many adjustments before we can be bold enough to transfer our work to a wider audience. As we get better, we get bolder.
Juggling ideas before making a decision to pick the most suitable topic is a major hurdle for many writers. Even after picking a topic, we dissect and seek to gain more understanding as we write. This is where open-mindedness and critical thinking become relevant. We must strive to put our best forward because it is the only way we can get more opportunities for growth.
Confident writers are open to new ideas and methods of writing.
“I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that I can build castles.” — Shannon Hale
No one is perfect, so it’s possible that you may have made some mistakes in your written piece. Take time to read till there are minimal errors and you are satisfied that your readers will get true value once they read.
Being more open-minded can help you experience a more exciting writing journey while creating a unique identity for yourself as a writer. It all starts with embracing good ideas and daily satisfying your curiosity.
