We go about our day-to-day lives without much thought. Our commute to work is done on autopilot, and we sometimes wonder if we were even awake during the journey. We don’t question what others are doing—or how we ourselves do things. We follow our routines because they work, and they’re comfortable. They help us get through the day.

In Ancient Rome, identifying counterfeit money was a frequent concern. There were various techniques used at the time, and some people became so practiced at spotting false coins that it became a habit. Epictetus, a slave turned philosopher, noted how people paid great attention to identifying fake coins—but rarely checked if their own impressions or those of others were just as counterfeit. We believe what people say and do without much questioning. We turn the other way, not because we trust blindly, but because it’s easier than disrupting our daily rhythm.

We also avoid questioning our own beliefs and actions. We put up blinders to ourselves. We assume everything we do is meaningful and correct. But if someone else sees our actions as wrong, how can both be true? Something has to give.

If we want to grow, we need the ability to shift perspective and re-evaluate our beliefs. We must remain open to others’ opinions and to honest reflections of ourselves. Understanding starts with curiosity.

Put yourself in another person’s shoes and ask: “What do they see that I don’t?” When you question your own beliefs, create different scenarios. Scenario-building is a powerful tool—it reveals new possibilities.

If you can understand another person’s point of view—and even articulate it as well as your own—that’s a mark of intelligence. It doesn’t mean you agree with them, but you’re able to recognize the common ground and the differences.

Challenging your impressions has great value. You begin to see what’s right in front of you. You understand that more than one thing can be true at once. And you gain the courage to change your mind—a true sign of maturity and wisdom.

So the next time you feel a certain way or observe something, pause and ask: Why do I feel this way? Especially if you’ve always felt that way. And if someone else feels differently, ask: Why is that?

Challenge the impressions you hold of yourself and others to discover a new world.

Take care.