How to be open-minded?

[Eran of Arcadia]

Just remember that there is a possibility, however slim you may think it is, that others are right and you are wrong on an issue, and that their perspective makes as much sense to them as yours does to you. You don't have to change your mind, just be willing to if the evidence dictates.

 

[Neonanocyborgasm]

I am wondering how can a close-minded person who is deadset on everything and wont be receptive towards other people's ideas to being an open-minded person?

I oftenly face things as "youre closed" minded or exposing my ignorance as well as being an annoyance towards others because I dont want my shakey faith shaken. I dont want to alienate myself from others, just because I have a close mind.
I am willing to accept criticisms, even if its on my faith (As well as consider their criticisms as nothing more than opinion).

I think the most important aspect of open-mindedness is not to believe everything you hear. You should always be critical of statements made by anyone, and the more outrageous the claims, the more you should be critical. If you doubt something, examine it. Don't just accept things on faith.

In Western society, as in others, unfounded notions are widespread. I myself had to loosen myself from my own unfounded notions, over the years. With life experience, you will recognize things that you took for granted, and accepted, were completely untrue. This process doesn't end, and continues throughout your life. Even today, I'm discovering certain ideas that I had that have proven to be completely bogus. As you discover what is untrue, you're realize what is true.