“The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it isn’t open." - Frank Zappa

How open is your mind? Are you afraid to take risk? Are you afraid to take advantage of opportunities? What success is waiting for you if you open your mind?

I started a 10-week Mastermind Group this past weekend geared towards improving leaders effectiveness. I was able to be part of three diverse groups, which included business owners, aspiring business owners, supervisors / managers, church leaders, etc. All three groups had phenomenal engagement, excitement, and energy. More importantly, each person walked away feeling empowered to start this beautiful journey we have all been anticipating.

One of the participants, Porsche Kelly, shared the quote aforementioned and I believe it is a great way to start our blog today.

How many times have you resisted some form of change your life needed? Did you ever think about why you opposed that change? Many times we avoid change because we are afraid to open our minds.

We as humans easily develop good or bad habits. Good habits can be profitable to your success, but we also need to keep our minds open for new opportunities. There are some amazing things that will happen when we decide to open our minds.

The opposite of an open mind is a closed mind. Here are some words you would hear from a closed mind:

- I will never…

- I can’t…

- When it rains, it pours.

- It won’t work out.

There are many other phrases, but the key is to quiet this voice in your head. Let’s be honest, we all have this voice in our minds. The difference is some people know how to quiet this voice and others let this voice dominate. Don’t let this voice talk you out of being successful and living the life you deserve to live. The way you quiet this voice is by opening your mind. So here are two ways to open your mind.

1. Improve your awareness. There are many people going through life without awareness that their mind is closed. The key to opening your mind is being more aware. It may sound simple, but this is the most difficult step to opening your mind. As a child, I remember thinking I knew something, but only to discover I really didn’t know. Have you ever experienced this situation as a child or adult? At some point, we have to know that we don’t know. This awareness will help with opening your mind, which in turn will help you grow towards your success.

2. Consistently try new things. What route do you take to work everyday? Which route do you take home? How many times do you go to your favorite restaurant and order the same meal you always order? As humans, we are creatures of habit. These habits can limit our opportunities. Just as we condition ourselves with our current habits, we have to condition our minds to explore new things. You will never know how far you can go, what you can achieve, or how good you can be if you never try something new consistently.

I don’t know what your aspirations are in life, but know you can accomplish them with an open mind. So don’t give up on your dreams. Open your mind and explore the many opportunities to achieve.

Peace and Prosperity,

Bryant Hall, Sr.

CEO & President of MTN Universal, LLC

Coach, Speaker, Trainer of the John Maxwell Team