Self-Reflection: Why It’s Not Just Okay, But Smart, to Change Your Mind

Strength isn’t never changing your mind. Strength is having the courage to change it when the truth demands it.

A few years ago, I was certain I had the facts straight about a controversial political issue. I had read the headlines, scrolled through my social media feed, and even engaged in a few heated conversations where I confidently defended my position. Then I sat down with a friend who had firsthand experience with the situation. Their story didn’t just poke holes in what I believed, it made me realize that my entire understanding was incomplete, shaped more by quick impressions than actual facts.

It was uncomfortable. I felt a wave of defensiveness at first, as if admitting I was wrong meant I was somehow less intelligent or less consistent. Yet the moment I allowed myself to accept the new information, I felt a surprising sense of relief. I wasn’t trapped in the exhausting work of defending something that no longer made sense. That day taught me that changing your mind in the face of new evidence isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign that you value truth over ego.

Why Changing Your Mind Feels So Hard

Human beings are wired to avoid the discomfort of admitting they might be wrong. Psychologists call this cognitive dissonance, a term coined by Leon Festinger in the 1950s. It describes the mental tension we feel when our beliefs and reality clash. For example, someone might believe they are a careful, rational thinker, yet find themselves holding onto a belief that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Rather than change the belief, the mind often works to justify it in order to reduce that discomfort.

Another mental hurdle is confirmation bias, the tendency to notice and remember information that supports what we already believe, while discounting anything that contradicts it. This bias has always existed, but in the age of algorithms it has been amplified to a level past generations never had to contend with. Social media platforms, search engines, and even video recommendations are built to keep us engaged, which often means showing us more of what we already agree with. The more you click on articles or videos that align with your current views, the more the algorithm feeds you similar content. Over time, this creates a digital echo chamber where you are mostly exposed to perspectives that reinforce your beliefs.

This is one reason two people can watch the exact same political debate and each walk away convinced their side “won.” They are not just interpreting the debate through their own internal biases. They are also returning to an online environment that immediately reinforces that perception. Escaping this cycle requires effort—intentionally seeking credible opposing viewpoints, reading from multiple sources, and resisting the temptation to only follow voices that make us feel comfortable.

Self-Reflection as a Mental Mirror

Self-reflection is the process of taking a step back and examining your thoughts, beliefs, and actions with curiosity rather than defensiveness. It’s like holding up a mirror to your mind to ask, “Why do I believe this? Where did it come from? Does it still make sense given what I know now?”

This practice strengthens emotional intelligence, which is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while recognizing how they influence your decisions. It also supports critical thinking, which is essential in an era of constant information flow. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on the growth mindset shows that people who view mistakes as learning opportunities are more adaptable and ultimately more successful. They do not see changing their mind as a failure but as a natural step in personal growth.

Modern Situations Where It’s Healthy to Change Your Mind

Politics often provides the clearest examples. Many people begin with a strong stance on a policy, only to have their perspective shift after speaking to those directly affected. I once supported a local law because I thought it promoted safety, but after talking with small business owners, I realized the regulation was damaging their livelihoods in ways I had never considered. That conversation completely changed my position.

Media narratives can also challenge our thinking. Headlines are designed to grab attention, not necessarily to present the full story. There have been countless times when a viral video clip seemed to make someone look guilty, only for the full footage to reveal a more complicated reality. Those moments are reminders that our first impression may not be the most accurate.

Health and wellness trends are another area where new information can lead to a shift in thinking. Years ago, I swore by a specific diet because it worked for me at the time. Then I came across credible research suggesting it carried certain long-term health risks. I adjusted my approach, not because my earlier decision was “wrong” for that moment in my life, but because I had access to better information and could make a more informed choice.

Social issues also evolve as we encounter new perspectives. Sometimes people carry outdated stereotypes simply because that’s what they were exposed to growing up. After meeting and working closely with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, those outdated beliefs often crumble, replaced by understanding and empathy.

The Benefits of Admitting You’ve Changed Your Mind

Shifting your perspective in the face of new information offers several benefits. It builds credibility, because people tend to respect someone who prioritizes truth over pride. It opens the door to more productive conversations, since you signal a willingness to listen rather than simply defend. It also reduces stress; defending a belief that no longer aligns with your values or knowledge can be mentally exhausting.

There’s also a personal benefit. Updating your beliefs when the evidence changes keeps you aligned with reality. That alignment can make your decisions more effective and your relationships more authentic.

A Framework for Changing Your Mind

One simple approach to navigating a change in belief is to use a three-step reflection process. First, identify what belief is being challenged and what has prompted you to re-evaluate it. Second, investigate the quality of the new information. Ask yourself if the source is credible, whether the evidence is supported by multiple perspectives, and whether emotion is influencing your judgment more than facts. Finally, integrate the new insight into your worldview. This might mean adjusting the belief, broadening it to include new variables, or replacing it altogether.

Journaling can help with this process. Write about the last time you changed your mind on something important. What information led to that change? How did it feel, and how did it affect your relationships or actions? These reflections make it easier to recognize when a shift is happening in the future and to respond thoughtfully.

It is also useful to create a habit of waiting before reacting to new information, especially online. Giving yourself even twenty-four hours before responding to a controversial headline can allow time for additional facts to emerge and emotions to settle.

Navigating Pushback

Not everyone will applaud your change of heart. Some may see it as inconsistency, especially in areas like politics where “sticking to your guns” is often framed as strength. In those moments, it helps to focus on explaining the process rather than defending the conclusion. Saying, “I used to think differently, but I learned something new that changed my view” keeps the focus on your commitment to truth, not on winning an argument.

Framing the shift as growth rather than contradiction can also help others understand. Most reasonable people can respect someone who is willing to learn, even if they disagree with the outcome.

Choosing Curiosity Over Certainty

History’s greatest thinkers, from Charles Darwin to Maya Angelou, revised their views many times over the course of their lives. They understood that growth requires curiosity and a willingness to be wrong. Changing your mind does not mean you were foolish before. It means you were willing to evolve.

In a world that rewards hot takes and snap judgments, cultivating the ability to pause, reflect, and adapt is a rare skill. It keeps you grounded in reality rather than trapped in a digital echo chamber designed for comfort over truth.

The next time you encounter information that challenges a belief, ask yourself whether your resistance is about protecting your ego or pursuing what is real. Staying open to change is not a sign of weakness. It is one of the clearest signs of strength.