It’s the work of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Have you ever tried to listen to the other side? 

Of anything you feel very strongly about? 

When we are passionate about a topic, it becomes increasingly difficult to disassociate ourselves from our deeply-rooted beliefs long enough to allow a reasonable consideration of what the other side is saying. Usually at the first blush of controversy, we find ourselves shutting down all forms of options for consideration, and instead, growing increasingly impatient to either correct the other party or to disconnect from the experience.

But the reality, in some cases, is that the other side has some valid perspectives. In those perspectives, we are able to see in those thoughts, some of the variables that perhaps we might be discarding or unaware of, and in those perspectives might lie a better option. Or certainly a variation on the one we are deeply believing with our personal conviction.

Keeping an open mind is a balancing act. It requires a certain degree of fortitude, dependent upon how the opposing party conducts themselves. If they are equally desirable of finding a best solution between their perspective and yours, then you are in more of a brainstorming experience. 

But if they are closed-minded and rabidly fixated on what they believe to be so, then it is considerably more difficult on your end. Even still, I believe it is wise to listen to the other side. It helps you to understand what they are thinking, regardless of whether or not you believe their thoughts to be based in the reality that you are living in. And, as a worst case scenario, you are doing work in the field to prepare for the onslaught that is coming your way. 

In all cases, the ego must be cast aside in favor of progress, and no progress is ever made between two parties who have determined that the other party has nothing of merit or value to contribute.

I hope your Friday is off to a clear-minded start.

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