Embracing the practice of questioning your beliefs is not just a journey of self-discovery but also a gateway to new perspectives and personal growth.

As a person of faith, I believe faith utilizes a faculty superior to reason. I’m quite comfortable accepting the fact that there are thoughts and ideals higher than mine, and that I don’t need a reason for everything under the sun. On the other hand, I also clearly understand the merit of personal belief evaluation. I’m certainly not the same person I was twenty years ago—nor do I hold the same persuasions. Life experience and subsequent wisdom have shown me that it’s okay to question my belief system and adjust accordingly. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s imperative. An unquestioning belief system is detrimental to personal growth. We all know people who seem stuck in an uncompromising, unyielding way of thinking. It’s not too late to change your perspective. It starts with honestly questioning your beliefs and approaching them with curiosity rather than certainty. By doing so, you investigate what you don’t know instead of clinging tightly to old ways of thinking and becoming defensive.

Consider reframing your views as hypotheses (or assumptions). This will help you see them as questions to investigate rather than statements of fact. While integrating this way of thinking into your everyday life might seem counterintuitive, everyone can and should do precisely this. In our personal and professional lives, we have the ability to form hypotheses, collect evidence, and use deductive reasoning to pursue truth. The ability to use these methods in everyday life helps you to organize your thoughts and develop your logical reasoning skills.

Once you’ve formulated your hypotheses, it’s time to put them to the test. Actively seek out information that challenges your existing beliefs. Engage in conversations with individuals who have different perspectives than your own and seek to listen with the intent of understanding.

Write down your original hypotheses, how they have changed, and your new conclusions. Obtaining this new information can change the direction of your thinking. New information that disproves your initial assumptions can change how you think about your original beliefs. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions.