Knowing Yourself Starts With an Open Mind

Being open-minded will help you find your genuine passion

Minds are like parachutes- they only function when open

— Thomas Dewar

How many times have you tried to look for an object in your house only to realize it had been sitting in front of you all this time?

For a second, you thought about how your mind played a trick on you.

But have you tried to look inside your mind?

Knowledge of self starts with an open mind. But often our minds are too closed to know ourselves. Looking inward will help you open up your mind to possibilities.

Just as a flower puts out its new blooms when you water it, your mind opens up when you attempt to look inward.

Often we don’t know who we are because we’re too close-minded. Having an open mind will allow you to reach a deeper level of understanding about yourself. You’ll uncover your hidden passions and talents. It can also open you up to a realm of possibilities that you were not aware of.

For example, before the pandemic, I did not know writing would bring me so much joy. Little did I know that I’d be sitting down at my computer and writing every day. I never even thought I had a creative knack or ability to write until my mind opened up to it and I accessed my inner self.

Magic happens when you open up your mind.

It can apply to any aspect of our lives, whether we’re seeking new job opportunities or exploring novel ideas for an online business or a side hustle.

Often the possibilities are in front of us; we’re just too close-minded to see them.

You may wonder what are some things you can do that will help to open up your mind.

Explore and try new things

Every person has a creative side — we just need to find it. By nature, humans are meant to create. Creativity is not something you’re born with. You don’t have to be an artist or musician to create. Anyone can choose to be creative.

There was a time in my life when I didn’t know I had a passion for baking until I tried my hands at baking. The idea of baking my own creations sparked my interest. I knew I wanted to learn more about it and get better. So I got my hands on everything I could to learn about baking while being busy experimenting in the kitchen.

I tried and failed, then I tried more until one day when I woke up realizing I knew how to bake. And most important, I fell in love with baking and it turned into one of my passions. The point is, I would’ve never known I loved baking unless I went through my first cake flop and a messy kitchen clean-up.

Make a list of your skills and talents

Every person is unique in his or her way. One person may excel in math or science; another person may be endowed with a creative ability and be an amazing artist whose works of art devour people’s attention. But having those abilities is not everything; one must know how to use them in actual life.

If you’re trying to figure out what to do with life, it can help to make a list and write all the things you know you can do. After you’ve made your list, sit with it for a while and brainstorm ideas for how you can leverage your talents and skills.

Think of ways you can match your unique talents and skills with myriad opportunities. If you have an eye for photography, for example, maybe you could make and sell images as a side hustle. If you have a knack for words like me, you could turn your passion for words into a freelance writing or editing business.

Find as many creative outlets for your skills as possible. Don’t limit yourself. Doing online research will also help you find creative ways you could use your skills and talents. For me, my passions lie in words and music, so I always look for ways where I can let my skills shine.

Be flexible with yourself

Just because you may not be good enough with something now doesn’t mean you can’t get better at it with practice.

If you’re passionate about something but it scares you to the bone, don’t let that be an obstacle.

According to Psychology Today, self-limiting conversations you have with yourself can affect your behaviors and actions. With that said, if you tell yourself you’re not good enough to try something, then you’ll never try. You’d never know and discover your genuine passions.

Don’t let self-critical statements hold you back. It’s better to try something and fail than not try at all. So be open-minded and explore your passions.

The bottom line

Knowing yourself starts with an open mind. When you open up your mind, you open yourself up to possibilities. By being flexible and open-minded, you’ll be able to explore and try new things. You’ll also uncover your hidden talents and find your genuine passion.