Understanding the Challenges of Changing Your Mind: Why It’s So Difficult

Novelist Leo Tolstoy famously stated: “The slowest person can explain something if he has no idea yet, but the most intelligent person cannot clarify the simplest thing if he is firmly convinced that he already knows beyond a shadow of a doubt what is before him.”

Until recently, I would have agreed with this sentiment. Various psychological studies reveal that many individuals are remarkably resistant to changing their opinions. This obstinacy, when combined with the rise of social media, has contributed to increased political polarization over the past two decades.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by a recent study indicating grounds for optimism. According to Stephanie Dolvia and psychologists from the University of California, Los Angeles, various techniques can help open our minds, particularly by enhancing our tolerance for emotional discomfort.

Open-mindedness varies among populations and can be measured via a series of statements that gauge agreement, such as:

• People should consider evidence that contradicts their preferred conclusion.
• When faced with puzzling questions, multiple possible answers should be considered before reaching a conclusion.

Conversely, individuals who believe that:

• Changing your mind is a sign of weakness.

Are likely to be less open-minded. Those who agree with the first two statements and disagree with the third demonstrate a greater willingness to embrace new perspectives, unlike those who settle on one opinion without evaluating alternative viewpoints or updating their beliefs with new evidence.

The benefits of cultivating an open-minded attitude are many. As illustrated in research by Philip Tetlock at the University of Pennsylvania, open-mindedness enhances individuals’ performance in predicting geopolitical events. After a two-year competition involving over 700 participants, Tetlock discovered that top performers—dubbed “super forecasters”—were significantly more willing to revise their opinions in light of new evidence compared to the average person. This mental flexibility safeguards us against irrational beliefs rooted in hasty conclusions.

Despite the advantages of open-mindedness, practicing it can be challenging. Fear of embarrassment can prevent us from acknowledging past mistakes, while our beliefs often intertwine with key aspects of our identities—like religion or political affiliation—making change feel daunting.

To guard our egos, our brains often engage in “motivated reasoning,” seeking justifications for solidifying our core beliefs, which may involve logical fallacies or misinformation. Thus, maintaining an open mind demands considerable strength to withstand mental discomfort.

Greater emotional awareness is crucial in this pursuit. Dr. Dolbier and colleagues highlight a 2019 study on “Wise Reasoning.” It revealed that individuals who express their emotions more subtly can better consider different perspectives than those who simply label feelings as “good” or “bad.”

If I were more emotionally aware, I might recognize that my anger towards someone else’s ignorance stems from my discomfort in articulating my viewpoint. This insight could lead me to evaluate my arguments more critically, prompting a shift in perspective.

This connection between emotional awareness and open-mindedness may explain why mindfulness often aids individuals in reasoning more rationally. By tuning into our internal emotions, we become more adept at recognizing and overcoming instinctive reactions to opposing viewpoints, resulting in balanced opinions.

If meditation isn’t your style, consider role-playing exercises. One study revealed that participants who approached upsetting events with the objectivity of a scientist were noticeably more tolerant of polarizing issues, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Remarkably, a follow-up experiment found that these benefits lasted for at least five months.

Additionally, contextualizing our disagreements can provide perspective. Intense debates often obscure our multifaceted identities, leading us to mistakenly equate our self-worth with being “right.” Simply reminding ourselves of our attributes—like loyalty, creativity, or humor—can alleviate perceived threats during disputes. This approach is most effective for those already aware of their biases, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness.

Lastly, reframe challenging emotions as growth opportunities. Evidence shows that recalling our potential for cognitive development enables us to respond constructively to opposing viewpoints. This perspective encourages us to view mistakes as learning moments, making it easier to accept that our previous opinions may not have been entirely correct.

Dolbier and her colleagues emphasize that many of these strategies require further testing in diverse contexts, with potential for new methods to emerge. However, existing research offers a solid starting point, and I plan to apply some of these techniques when confronted with challenges to my beliefs.

David Robson’s latest book is The Law of Connection: 13 Social Strategies That Will Change Your Life. If you have a question for his column, reach out at: davidrobson.me/Contact.