Think You’re Open-Minded - Insights From a Motivational Speaker

Think You’re Open-Minded? I Thought So Too—Then I Was Proven Wrong

I used to believe my mind was wide open. Then reality hit—again. This time, it was an episode of Good Life Project that did the job.

I’ve been researching ways for people over 50 to navigate unexpected change, and I keep coming back to this podcast. It’s exceptional, and if you haven't listened yet, you're missing out.

The episode that struck a chord? Why You Can’t Change the One You Love (Dec 29, 2016).

Marketing: A Dirty Word or a Powerful Tool?

Right at the start, host Jonathan Fields says:

“A lot of people despise marketing, but for me, it’s like a fun puzzle—how do we move the pieces around in a way that inspires people to take action, behave in a way that is beneficial for them?”

That line hit me. I used to believe marketing was just manipulation—tacky, dishonest, beneath me. I was a documentary filmmaker funded by government broadcasting, where I never had to consider commercial pressures. I saw marketing as the domain of sensationalism and clickbait, something I wanted no part of.

But then, life forced me to rethink.

Magic and the Art of Persuasion

Ironically, I discovered the value of marketing when I became a magician. Magic is built on the same principles:

1. State the problem – “Pick a card, any card.”
2. Agitate the problem – “Let’s be clear, you could have picked ANY of these 52 cards.”
3. Offer a solution – “Watch as I make your card jump to the top of the deck.”

Sounds a lot like marketing, doesn’t it? The structure is identical. And yet, when done well, both magic and marketing provide real value. Magic offers wonder and delight; marketing, when ethical, connects people to solutions that genuinely help them.

Jonathan’s episode reminded me that people won’t change just because we tell them to. They need to want change for themselves.

Why You Can’t Force Change

A moment that really stood out in the episode:

“Until somebody wants to help themselves, it’s going to be nearly impossible to help them… You don’t get anybody to do anything. They have to come to a place where they become motivated to actually want it themselves.”

We’ve all been there—watching someone struggle, knowing there’s a better way, but feeling helpless as they refuse to budge. It’s frustrating, especially when you care about them.

But here’s the truth: forcing change rarely works. If anything, it creates resistance. Jonathan sums it up perfectly:

“When somebody else imposes their will on you, it’s probably more counterproductive than productive.”

Creating Space for Change

So, what can we do? We can create an environment where people feel safe enough to explore change on their own terms. That’s exactly why I started Big Mind, Small Waistline. It’s not about forcing transformation—it’s about starting the conversation, offering different perspectives, and letting people find their own ‘aha’ moments.

If we want people to embrace change, we have to meet them where they are. Not with pressure, but with curiosity.

That’s why I’ll be re-listening to another Good Life Project episode next—Simon Sinek: Serve Those Who Serve Others. Because learning never stops, and neither does growth.

Final Thought:

If you think you’re open-minded, challenge that assumption. Start listening to Good Life Project. You might be surprised at what you discover.