Learn to be Open and be Open to Learn

Introductions First! My name is Suprita, and this is my maiden article at LinkedIn. Throughout my journey as a woman, mother, HR professional, and career coach, I have often pondered whether there is a single mantra that could guide us through the complexities of the professional world and life itself.

While there's no one-size-fits-all solution—since we all come from diverse backgrounds and experiences—there is one concept that truly resonated with me. I wanted to encapsulate this in a concise phrase to share with my network. Hence the title.

If you google the meaning of being open then probably the answer is: “When you practice?open-mindedness, you allow yourself to grow as a person, learning from various viewpoints and experiences. This mindset fosters empathy, humility, and a genuine interest in understanding others.”

On the other hand, if you google the meaning of open to learn then the answer is: "Open to learn" or "open to learn new things" is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It is used to express that someone is willing to embrace new knowledge and information. For example, "I'm excited to start my new job, and I'm open to learn as much as I can about the company."

Here are a couple of key takeaways:

1. Learn to Be Open: Let us cultivate openness toward new ideas, jobs, places, colleagues, environments, etc. Embracing this mindset is half the battle won. Do not let ego, past baggage, fears, or insecurities hold you back.
2. Be Open to Learning New Things: I will share a personal example. In my twenties, I often carried baggage from previous jobs into new roles, justifying it as a more efficient approach. However, as I matured, I learned to welcome new experiences with open arms. A wise mentor once told me, “Suprita, there’s always A reason.” That simple phrase stuck with me. If there is “A” reason I must learn why and that is what I have done.

During my unemployment, I was fully open to seeking help. Simultaneously, I focused on enhancing my education by pursuing a new degree, exploring part-time job opportunities to bolster my resume, expanding my network, and joining professional groups while reaching out to mentors for guidance. I carefully analyzed both my failures and successes in job interviews, ensuring I would not repeat past mistakes and would leverage what worked. Knowledge is Power but it becomes valuable if one is open to learn and then open to use or reuse or not use what one has learned.

The Moral:

Embrace openness and remember that there is always a reason behind every experience. Focus on uncovering that reason, and keep the door open to continuous learning. This approach will serve you well!