Project: Dabble

Open-mindedness is linked to stronger problem-solving, broader perspective, and greater creativity. But studies show it tends to decline in adulthood. Take this quiz to find out how open you are to new ideas and experiences, and where you have room to grow.

Have you ever caught yourself tuning out someone just because you disagreed with them? Or dismissed advice from a coworker or friend because it didn’t match what you already believe?

Staying open-minded sounds simple, but in practice, it can be surprisingly hard. Research shows that openness often declines in young and middle adulthood. As we settle into routines and roles, we may become less inclined to explore new ways of thinking or doing.

Yet openness remains one of the most powerful ways to keep learning and growing throughout life. Being open-minded means staying receptive to new points of view, engaging in novel experiences, and considering multiple perspectives.

Psychologists Robert Sternberg and Judith Glück describe openness as a key component of wisdom in their book Wisdom: The Psychology of Wise Thoughts, Words, and Deeds. Being open-minded can broaden your perspective, enhance problem-solving, and boost creativity.

According to Sternberg and Glück, open-minded individuals regularly question not only others but also themselves. They recognize that their knowledge is limited and that their views are shaped by past experiences. Rather than clinging to certainty, they seek out feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. They also accept that change is inevitable, and even unwanted changes can offer opportunities for growth.

So how open-minded are you? Take this quiz to see where you stand and learn tips for expanding your horizons.

Quiz: How Open-Minded Are You?

Instructions: Rate how much you agree with each statement using the scale: (A) Always true, (B) Often true, (C) Sometimes true, (D) Rarely true, (E) Never true

1. I can have a respectful conversation with someone whose views are very different from mine.
2. I’m willing to change my opinion when presented with new information.
3. I seek out feedback, even if it might be hard to hear.
4. I try new experiences even when they’re outside my comfort zone.
5. I reflect on how my background and experiences shape the way I see the world.
6. I’m curious about perspectives I don’t understand.
7. When someone disagrees with me, I try to understand where they’re coming from.
8. I recognize that being wrong is part of learning.
9. I enjoy learning from people with different life experiences than mine.
10. I make an effort to avoid quick judgments about people or ideas.

How to Score Your Quiz:

Give yourself points for each response:

A) Always true – 4 points
B) Often true – 3 points
C) Sometimes true – 2 points
D) Rarely true – 1 point
E) Never true – 0 points

Add up your total score (maximum is 40). Then see how your results reflect your current level of open-mindedness:

Your Results:

32 – 40 points
You’re highly open-minded.
You’re curious, flexible, and open to learning from all kinds of experiences and perspectives. This mindset is a strength. It helps you grow, build connections with others, and adapt in a constantly changing world.

22 – 31 points
You’re open-minded in many areas, with opportunities to stretch.
You value different perspectives and are open to new experiences, though you may notice some situations where it’s harder to stay flexible. Becoming aware of those moments is a great way to keep expanding your mindset.

0 – 21 points
You’re thoughtful and steady, but maybe a little set in your ways.
You know what works for you, and that stability can be a strength. At the same time, gently exploring new ideas or experiences could bring unexpected benefits and growth.

Tips for Building a More Open Mindset

No matter where you landed on the quiz, open-mindedness isn’t a fixed trait. It’s something you can practice and grow over time. Here are five ways ways to stretch your mindset:

1. Practice curious listening.

Instead of planning your response while someone else is speaking, focus on truly understanding their point of view. Try asking, “What led you to that conclusion?” or “Tell me more.” Curiosity shifts your mindset from judgment to learning.

2. Challenge your own assumptions.

When you catch yourself thinking “That’s just how it is” or “That would never work,” pause. Ask: Why do I believe this? Where did that belief come from? Noticing your default thinking patterns can open the door to new ones.

3. Seek out unfamiliar perspectives.

Read a book, listen to a podcast, or attend an event that reflects a worldview different from your own. Exposure alone won’t change your mind, but it can stretch your awareness and activate new insights.

4. Try something new.

Open-mindedness is like a muscle. You can build it by doing something outside your usual routine: trying a new food, learning a new skill, or taking a class. Small expansions such as these allow you to explore new possibilities and broaden your perspective.

5. Embrace discomfort as part of growth.

It’s natural to feel uneasy when your views are challenged. Instead of resisting that discomfort, see it as a signal that you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone, and that’s exactly where learning happens.