I assume you're asking this because being 'too opinionated' got you into some trouble, maybe more than once. There is a key distinction between 'having' and 'expressing', and I might add a 3rd: 'forming'. The process of forming an opinion is often done via expressing a "wrong" opinion and getting corrected by others.
- Are you willing to change your opinion given new information or convincing arguments?
If not, you may have a trait that emphasizes rigidity. Searching around "rigid thinking" or "cognitive flexibility" terms might get you somewhere useful. Ultimately, it's something that CBT and DBT therapists focus on in therapy. They help you see opposite views of the same thing, and when you start to recognize that there are n valid perspectives on most situations. https://albertellis.org/2016/01/rigid-thinking-and-rational-... A purposeful therapy series (3-12 sessions) around some of your most conflicting issues can be an amazing investment.
- Are you expressing your opinions in times and places where others don't feel it's appropriate?
This is a filter issue. Executive function, which can be impaired by disorder, distraction, and drink, is the part of your brain that help you control when you blurt things out. There are lots of different approaches to fixing different causes executive impairment, but the goal is the same for all cases: teach yourself to say less. Learning to listen is a big part of that, but active listening is expensive. If you feel like you NEED to say something but its not an appropriate time or setting to do so, try intentional breathing instead. It works really well in my experience when I remember to do it.
- Are your opinions wrong?
Read more and listen more before you share.
- Are you hanging out with the right people?
Probably not. If you're trying to make yourself less opinionated, you might be surrounded with people that just can't keep up with you. It's REALLY OKAY to express strong opinions about stuff with people who fundamentally accept and value you. And it's really great if someone else has a strong opinion, opposing opinion and you can debate the truth with them enthusiastically. There are people out there that are safe to be your self and share your whole self with, it's just a matter of finding them and building trust together.
- Are you willing to change your opinion given new information or convincing arguments? If not, you may have a trait that emphasizes rigidity. Searching around "rigid thinking" or "cognitive flexibility" terms might get you somewhere useful. Ultimately, it's something that CBT and DBT therapists focus on in therapy. They help you see opposite views of the same thing, and when you start to recognize that there are n valid perspectives on most situations. https://albertellis.org/2016/01/rigid-thinking-and-rational-... A purposeful therapy series (3-12 sessions) around some of your most conflicting issues can be an amazing investment.
- Are you expressing your opinions in times and places where others don't feel it's appropriate? This is a filter issue. Executive function, which can be impaired by disorder, distraction, and drink, is the part of your brain that help you control when you blurt things out. There are lots of different approaches to fixing different causes executive impairment, but the goal is the same for all cases: teach yourself to say less. Learning to listen is a big part of that, but active listening is expensive. If you feel like you NEED to say something but its not an appropriate time or setting to do so, try intentional breathing instead. It works really well in my experience when I remember to do it.
- Are your opinions wrong? Read more and listen more before you share.
- Are you hanging out with the right people? Probably not. If you're trying to make yourself less opinionated, you might be surrounded with people that just can't keep up with you. It's REALLY OKAY to express strong opinions about stuff with people who fundamentally accept and value you. And it's really great if someone else has a strong opinion, opposing opinion and you can debate the truth with them enthusiastically. There are people out there that are safe to be your self and share your whole self with, it's just a matter of finding them and building trust together.