Psychologists reveal how to change your mind — and the minds of the people around you

February 19, 2026 - 01:58

Changing a deeply held belief is one of the most difficult tasks for the human brain. Psychologists explain this resistance is not stubbornness, but a core feature of our mental wiring. Our brains create neural pathways that become more entrenched each time a belief is reinforced, making familiar ideas feel inherently true and safe. Challenging them triggers a threat response in the brain, similar to physical danger, leading to defensiveness and a doubling down on our original position.

However, experts confirm it is possible to rewire this process, both for ourselves and in conversations with others. The key lies in reducing the perceived threat. For personal growth, this involves cultivating intellectual humility—actively seeking out information that contradicts your stance and questioning the source of your beliefs. This deliberate practice can slowly create new, more adaptive neural pathways.

When attempting to engage with others, especially in heated family discussions, the approach must be collaborative, not confrontational. Begin by finding common ground and listening to understand, not to rebut. Ask open-ended questions that encourage the other person to explain their reasoning, which can sometimes lead them to self-identify gaps in their own logic. Framing new information as an addition to, rather than an attack on, their worldview can make it easier to accept.

Ultimately, changing a mind requires patience, empathy, and a supportive environment where feeling wrong does not feel unsafe. By understanding the brain's innate defenses, we can learn to navigate them, fostering more productive dialogues and more flexible thinking for everyone involved.