In Chapter 2 (“Open-door People and Closed-door People”) of All the Places to Go, John Ortberg draws upon the research of Carol Dweek, who came to the conclusion that human beings possess one of two differing and almost opposite mind-sets about life. Pastor Ortberg categorizes them as “closed mind-sets” and “open mind-sets”.
1. Closed mind-set. People with closed mind-sets believe their worth is directly connected with how talented they are. Generally, going through open doors is to be avoided. Every time there is a challenge one’s worth is on the line. A successful life is devoid of failure.
2. Open mind-set. People with open mind-sets believe that growth trumps raw ability. Growth always is possible. Commitment to growth means embracing challenge- growing beyond where one is today. Failure is absolutely necessary and something to learn from.
John notes that closed-door thinking may masquerade as prudence or commonsense. In reality, it’s refusing to trust God due to fear. It’s claiming to believe in God. Yet, when God says “Go”, they stay. They’re Staytheists. Open doors are scarier than closed doors because we never know for certain what will happen when we walk through. Even though we want to know what we’re getting into, we never will. Pastor Ortberg thinks that’s a good thing, because if we did know, we’d never get into it in the first place.
Today’s question: Which mind-set most characterizes your current thinking? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: Ready or not . . .”
