7 phrases closed-minded people tend to use without realizing how ignorant and judgmental they sound

I’ve noticed that the way people speak often reveals more about their mindset than they realize.

Some phrases get thrown around so often that they seem harmless, but in reality, they expose a rigid, closed-minded way of thinking.

Instead of encouraging growth and discovery, these statements shut down ideas, dismiss new perspectives, and create unnecessary barriers.

I’ve encountered these phrases in personal conversations, business meetings, and even online discussions. Each time, they signal the same thing—an unwillingness to question assumptions or explore different possibilities.

Here are seven phrases closed-minded people tend to use without realizing how ignorant and judgmental they sound.

1) “That’s just the way things are”

Few phrases shut down meaningful discussion faster than this one.

When someone says, “That’s just the way things are,” they’re not making an argument—they’re avoiding one. It’s a way of dismissing new ideas without actually engaging with them.

Instead of questioning outdated beliefs or exploring better possibilities, they cling to the status quo as if it’s set in stone.

But the truth is, nothing stays the same forever. Progress happens because people challenge assumptions, rethink old systems, and take action to create something better.

Whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, refusing to question “the way things are” is the fastest way to stay stuck.

If you catch yourself using this phrase, stop and ask: Is this really unchangeable, or am I just afraid to consider a different perspective? The world evolves—don’t let your mindset be the thing that refuses to move forward.

2) “You can’t argue with success”

I’ve heard this phrase used to justify all kinds of questionable decisions.

The idea is simple: If something “works,” then it must be the right way to do things.

But this kind of thinking ignores the bigger picture. Just because someone is making money, gaining power, or achieving their goals doesn’t mean they’re doing it in the best or most ethical way.

I’ve seen businesses chase short-term success at the expense of long-term sustainability. I’ve watched people stay in toxic situations because, from the outside, things looked “successful.”

When we refuse to question success, we risk sacrificing integrity, creativity, and even our own well-being.

Real success isn’t just about results—it’s about how those results are achieved and whether they align with what truly matters. As Albert Einstein once said, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

3) “It’s always been this way”

This phrase is a close cousin to “that’s just the way things are,” and it’s just as limiting.

When people say, “It’s always been this way,” what they really mean is, “I don’t want to question this.” It’s a mindset that keeps people trapped in old patterns—whether in business, relationships, or personal beliefs.

Just because something has existed for a long time doesn’t mean it’s right, effective, or the best way forward.

Breaking free from these mental barriers requires deep self-awareness. We have to recognize when our thoughts are shaped by societal conditioning rather than our true values.

That’s exactly what the Free Your Mind masterclass with shaman Rudá Iandê is designed to help with. It provides powerful exercises to dismantle limiting beliefs and break free from outdated ways of thinking.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a mindset that no longer serves you, it’s time to challenge it. Join the Free Your Mind masterclass today and start creating your own path—on your own terms.

4) “That’s not how the real world works”

This phrase is often used to shut people down—to make them feel naive for questioning the status quo.

But let’s be honest: What exactly is “the real world”? Is it a place where we all have to accept unfair systems, outdated beliefs, and limiting rules just because they’ve been around for a long time?

The world is constantly changing, shaped by those who dare to challenge what others blindly accept.

People who say this are usually just defending their own comfort zones. They don’t want to rethink their assumptions, so they dismiss anyone who does.

But progress has never come from accepting “the real world” as it is—it comes from those who ask, “Why does it have to be this way?”

So, the question is: Are you going to accept someone else’s version of reality, or are you willing to create your own?

5) “You’re overthinking it”

People love to say this when someone is questioning things too deeply or challenging assumptions they’d rather not confront.

But thinking deeply isn’t the problem—blindly accepting things without question is. The real issue isn’t “overthinking,” it’s avoiding the kind of thinking that leads to real insight, growth, and change.

Reflection, analysis, and even doubt are essential if you want to break free from the conditioning that keeps so many people stuck in rigid ways of living and thinking.

Creativity, progress, and meaningful change all come from those who refuse to accept easy answers. They come from people who are willing to sit with discomfort, ask difficult questions, and explore ideas that others ignore.

If someone tells you that you’re overthinking, consider the possibility that they’re underthinking. Keep questioning—because that’s how real transformation happens.

6) “Some people just aren’t meant to succeed”

This phrase is one of the most toxic because it disguises itself as truth when it’s really just a convenient excuse.

I’ve seen people use this to justify inequality, dismiss others’ struggles, or even give up on themselves.

It’s the kind of thinking that keeps people in their place—convincing them that success is only for a select few, rather than something that can be built through persistence, adaptability, and creativity.

The reality is, no one is “meant” to succeed or fail. Success isn’t predetermined—it’s something we create through our choices, our mindset, and our willingness to break free from limiting beliefs.

The moment you stop believing in your own potential is the moment you hand over your power to circumstances instead of taking responsibility for what you can control.

People who say this want to believe the game is rigged so they don’t have to play. But the truth is, the rules are constantly changing—and those who challenge them are the ones who end up rewriting them.

7) “You’re either born with it or you’re not”

This kind of thinking kills potential before it even has a chance to grow.

Talent, intelligence, creativity—none of these are fixed traits that some people are just “born with.”

They’re all skills that can be developed with effort, curiosity, and persistence. But when people convince themselves otherwise, they give up before they even start.

I’ve seen countless examples of people proving this wrong—entrepreneurs with no formal education who built thriving businesses, artists who discovered their talent later in life, individuals who transformed their lives simply by refusing to accept their limitations as permanent.

The only real difference between those who grow and those who don’t is mindset.

Closed-minded people use this phrase as an excuse to stay where they are instead of doing the work to improve. But growth isn’t about what you were given—it’s about what you choose to build.

Breaking free from a closed mindset

The phrases we’ve explored in this article aren’t just words—they reflect deep-seated beliefs that keep people stuck. When we stop questioning, stop challenging, and stop thinking for ourselves, we unknowingly limit our own potential.

But the truth is, growth comes from staying open. It comes from being willing to examine our assumptions, rethink what we’ve been taught, and embrace new ways of seeing the world.

The most successful and fulfilled people aren’t the ones who cling to rigid beliefs—they’re the ones who adapt, learn, and evolve.

If you’re ready to break free from the conditioning that holds so many people back, I highly recommend the Free Your Mind masterclass.

Created by shaman Rudá Iandê, this masterclass is designed to help you dismantle limiting beliefs and societal programming so you can think for yourself and create a life that’s truly your own.

Through powerful exercises, Rudá guides you to challenge outdated ways of thinking, recognize where you’ve been conditioned to stay small, and step into a mindset of true freedom.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by others’ expectations or stuck in patterns that don’t serve you, this is your chance to shift your perspective.

Join the Free Your Mind masterclass today and start thinking—and living—on your own terms.