Are You Open or Closed to New Ideas?
Do you have a friend who’s persnickety about the “ethnic correctness” of food? One of mine refuses to go to a very popular Italian restaurant owned by a Middle Eastern man, not because of the man’s ethnicity but because his dishes are fragranced with more than just garlic and basil. She believes that if it’s being called “Italian” then the food needs to be authentically Italian.
Maybe she has a point. Yet she’s missing out on some of the most delicious Italian dishes I’ve ever had, and I lived in Italy for three years of my life.
Maybe you have a friend who hates TexMex food because it’s not authentically Mexican. OK, maybe they have a point, too, like my friend might. Yet if they want to be true to their demand for “ethnic correctness” they need to keep their paws out of the nacho plate, keep their hands off the fajitas, and are not allowed to even think of scooping up any of the cowboy beans. Those are all foods that come from west Texas traditions, inspired by the flavors and cooking styles of Mexico and are not strictly Mexican.
Are you sensing a theme here? People who get persnickety about the blending of different styles of food are missing out on creative, delicious food. People who get their undies in a crumple because not everyone drives an electric car are not being realistic about the transportation needs of others. People who live by the “no white after Labor Day” rule are kind of dinosaurs, right?
People can get very rigid about the rules they believe should be enforced, and then get vociferously opinionated about those who flaunt their rules. People like that aren’t very fun to be around. You don’t want to be one of those people, right?
The phrase “thinking outside the box” can be applied to all of the examples given and can be tough to remember to do. Innovation lives outside the box. Creativity lives outside the box. Fun lives outside the box. Here are three episodes of the world’s second-shortest podcast that will help you get outside the box in 90 seconds or less:
Could you use a little help thinking outside the box? Here’s a Tiny Bite for that!
Need help rolling with what life hands you? Here’s a Tiny Bite for that!
Want a committee that can do the impossible? Here’s a Tiny Bite for that!
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We all have topics we hold strong opinions about, and sometimes it’s tough to think outside the box that those particular opinions live inside. Yet being open to hearing and considering ideas and beliefs that are different than yours is a sign of emotional intelligence, and we do want to be one of those people, right?
Today, take a topic you’re passionate about, jot down the rules you’ve made or that you believe about the topic, and consider them. Look at them from other points of view than yours and talk to someone who holds different opinions on that topic.
Today, do the mental equivalent of enjoying Italian food with a hint of Lebanese spice. Give yourself permission to go outside the box and see what you’ve been missing!
Wags,
Sandy Weaver
The Voice of Wagaliciousness
PS...want more? Subscribe to the Mind, Body, Soul Sessions podcast, a weekly mental spa treatment for your total self! #podcast #success #leader #lawofattraction #personaldevelopment #mentalwellbeing
