How Elastic is Your Mind?
3 key factors for evaluating and expanding your awareness level.
I think strictly in black and white.
My heels are dug in.
My mind is made up.
I know I’m right.
Red Flags and Warning Bells!
These simple sentences are indications of a closed mind, and evidence that the doors to a world of possibilities have been slammed shut — locked against intrusion from truth and objective proof.
Granted, the door to my own mind occasionally swings closed when I’m convinced I have enough information or experience to form an opinion. But there have been times, especially looking back in hindsight, when I’ve realized my strongly-held opinions were wrong.
What caused me to intentionally dismiss new or additional information that could have made a difference in personal decisions?
Why was I unwilling to consider other perspectives or viewpoints that were initially contradictory to mine, yet were ultimately proven to be true?
Just how elastic was my mind, anyway?
I found out the hard way. And it has to do with a sports bra.
One of the Clothing Essentials I Wear for Exercise is a Sports Bra
Designed to provide all-around comfort and ease of movement, it offers a secure and conforming fit to my upper body.
I recently purchased a new one and, after trying it on, it seemed perfect — supportive, great color, ideal fit. I could move freely, and yet still feel the flexible support of the elastic fabric. It inspired confidence and self-assurance, and I could hardly believe a single piece of underwear could be the source of all those positive feelings.
The bra became a favorite, holding me in place while maintaining enough give-and-take under the constant stress and strain of my workout.
All Went Well For the First Couple of Months
Then I noticed the bra’s elasticity was starting to break down, its inherent physical qualities no longer providing the support — and confidence — I’d come to count on. Instead, my cherished bra was quickly becoming a disintegrating piece of fabric.
Eventually, the bra was no longer something I could rely on. While there was always the option of salvaging another month or two from the garment by pinning it tighter or sewing up a new side seam, it had lost its original features and no longer served the same purpose.
It had reached its life expectancy, and it was time to let it go.
It might seem to be an unlikely metaphor, but just like that sports bra, many of the ideas and opinions we hold as personal truths are also subject to the wear and tear of life. And in spite of our need to “be right,” they eventually wear out and no longer fit.
We don’t often recognize the transition, especially if we’ve adopted a disinterested view of the world — and those in it.
And That’s When the Problems Start — When Our Minds Shut Down and Hold Fast to Disintegrating Ideas
We become less elastic — less open to exploration — and less willing to discard what no longer works for us.
Here are a few observations — personal tests — to consider when evaluating whether your own ideas, beliefs, and values are still stretch-worthy:
- When a thought or opinion is expanded, it’s very possible it may not return to its original size — and this can be a good thing. It’s important to maintain a positive and progressive attitude when flexing your values and beliefs, especially when others disagree.
- Some ideas snap and break from the pressure of being explored or tested beyond their original intent or application. The result may instill the belief that we’ve failed and we’ll never be good enough to fulfill our dreams or reach our goals. The resulting loss in motivation and inspiration can leave us afraid to consider anything else. Instead, we have to let go of antiquated thoughts that no longer serve our real intentions and purpose.
- If an idea begins to lose credibility, maybe it wasn’t that accurate to start with. Reduce any potential destructive influence by replacing it with a concept or initiative that’s more applicable — more realistic — in a world where we must interact and get along with others. One size doesn’t fit all, and it’s okay to discard those thoughts that bring no fulfillment or potential for growth.
Our Minds Are In a Constant State of Comparison and Process
We’re always churning out ideas that exaggerate the superlative, and condemn the ordinary. The key is to find a realistic compromise — especially if it helps in getting along with others.
Here’s the good news: When you find ideas that are worth expanding, the questions and curiosities rise to the surface, creating positive momentum for growth.
© Jill Reid. All Rights Reserved.
