Why Entrepreneurs Must Have an Open Mind to be Successful

The importance of having an open mind cannot be underestimated.

Having an open mind is essential for those who plan on building a business beyond limitations.

All great entrepreneurs know that limitations are the antithesis of success.

The great spiritual teacher, Buddha himself put it into words perfectly:

Those who plan on building an empire know that having an open mind is a must.

This tends to come naturally for most successful entrepreneurs, but for those who seem to clash whenever they are exposed to alternative beliefs, ideas, or concepts, it might be a skill they need to build.

It can be hard to admit that you aren’t open-minded enough, and even harder to admit to having a close-minded personality, especially if you are stubborn.

It’s important to remember that you need to put your ego aside and remind yourself that in order to be successful, you can’t be emotional about feedback. Then, you will have the potential to achieve new levels of success.

We all have our weaknesses and personal struggles. This is never something we should feel bad about, but in the world of business, understanding the implications of a “closed mind” might be enough to entice you to change your ways.

How do we find out if we are closed-minded?

1. Closed-minded people don’t want their ideas challenged.

2. Closed-minded people only focus on things that interest them and never go beyond their scope of reach.

3. Closed-minded people focus much more on being understood than on understanding others.

4. Closed-minded people always think they are right.

5. Closed-minded people have trouble holding two thoughts simultaneously in their minds. They allow their own view to crowd out those of others.

6. Closed-minded people may lack a deep sense of humility.

7. Closed-minded individuals tend to limit their own potential, as well as the potential of others.

Fun Fact: It takes over 30 days to break a habit, so give yourself time and be patient with yourself.

Characteristics of Open-Minded People

In general, open-minded people tend to:

• Be curious to hear what others think
• Be able to have their ideas challenged
• Not feel angry when they are wrong
• Have empathy for other people
• Consider what other people are thinking
• Be humble about their own knowledge and expertise
• Want to hear what other people have to say
• Believe others have a right to share their beliefs and thoughts

When it comes to innovation, however, those who place limitations on their ideas of growth aren’t thinking big enough.

The most successful entrepreneurs try to come up with ways they can reach untapped markets and cater to those who may have never thought to consider their products or services.

To be innovated requires an open-mind in order to imagine the infinite ideas and possibilities that could be turned into actual businesses.

All entrepreneurs are naturally open-minded. After all, they did pursue a path that requires one to stray off the “normal path.”

In fact, only 16% of Americans are entrepreneurs. That’s equal to about 31 million Americans.

Those who are open-minded will be more likely to be innovative, which is a key component to success.

Being open-minded means welcoming new ideas, arguments, and information that you typically do not align with.

It’s so important to be able to step out of your comfort zone and consider other ideas and perspectives, especially in business.

Open-mindedness enables people to think critically, rationally, and divergently.

Open-minded people will likely come up with very unique ideas that can help your business be a success.

Whether this be the next amazing product or service for your company to brainstorming a marketing campaign, those who are open-minded will likely lead the way with innovative concepts.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Elena Patestas is a journalist and writer for Valuetainment media. She attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and Adelphi University on Long Island, New York. She was born and raised in Roslyn, New York, and currently lives in Miami, Florida.

Elena is passionate about bringing positive change to our world and believes education is the root to solving many societal problems. After overcoming a chronic health condition, Elena became passionate about health and believes food is the key to preventing dis-ease and achieving optimum health.

Amongst her many goals, she hopes to bring positive, impactful change to our world to create a healthy, financially sound, and unified society.