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One major obstacle is the dependency on the approval of others. Growing up, we learn to absorb the values of our environment for fear of rejection or social isolation. This need for acceptance can lock us into rigid worldviews that are difficult to challenge, impacting our ability to form original ideas. The journey towards independent thinking begins with skepticism—questioning beliefs formed from social conditioning.
Embrace Skepticism
To be an original thinker, it is vital to engage in skepticism not just about the beliefs around us, but also about our own beliefs. Recognize that every argument has a counterargument, and learning to suspend judgment leads to a more expansive mindset. Challenging your own assumptions promotes creative thinking.