Justin Jones-Fosu - The Inclusive Mindset: How to Cultivate Diversity in Your Everyday Life

Embracing the Right Approach

I grew up in a very hug-filled family. I am a mamas boy, and I constantly hugged my mother when I was a child. When I had a dog and a cat, I gave them endless hugs. I love hugging so much that my kids get at least 15.8 hugs a day from mewell, maybe only 14.7. Some hugs are when were both standing and other hugs occur when I lift them up, swing them around, and squeeze super tight. I love hugs so much I have even learned to hug myself (dont judge it until youve tried it).

What type of hugger are you? I realize there are different types of hugs and greetings. There is the formal handshake greeting. There is the dap. And when you are really cool, your hands glide into an embrace. There is the hand hug (does anyone still do this one?). There is the classic side hug. There is the Im not going to let my body touch you hug. And there is thewait for itfull-frontal embrace hug. You know, the type of hug where you can feel the ribs of the other person. Some people call this a bear hug, but I call this a normal hug (well, for those I know who allow me to hug them this way). Which one are you?

Did you know that research has confirmed that hugs actually help reduce negative emotions during conflict? Hugs have been proven to improve mood and psychological well-being.

Now, I know some of you are reading this and saying, Justin, I dont want to hug you, or anyone else for that matter. You might be thinking, If I have to hug someone, then maybe I will not have an Inclusive Mindset . Dont put the book down quite yet. This book isnt about hugging (even though that would be a marvelously awesome book). But it is about embracing something, and that something is diversity and inclusion (which over time might lead to an increase in our mood too).

By diversity and inclusion I mean engaging those who are different from you. Diversity and inclusion have been misinterpreted by many over the years, but the terms simply mean seeing the humanity in others (yes, even those you disagree with) and treating them with value, decency, and respect.

Diversity and inclusion are important because every single one of us is impacted by how diversity and inclusion play out in our daily lives. In some ways we are all different. We all have unique qualities, and everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Unfortunately, we live in a world where we can dehumanize others simply because they disagree with us or because they look different from us. Even with those I vehemently disagree with, I challenge myself (and it is hard at times) to see their humanity and treat them with respect because they are human beings. After all, wouldnt you want others to treat you and those you love with the same decency? I want my kids to grow up in a world that is more decent, respectful, and understanding than the one that currently exists. I want them to grow up in a world where they will be embraced and others can embrace them despite their differences. This book will help you and me do just that by helping all of us to develop an Inclusive Mindset.

An Inclusive Mindset is an echo of the vision I shared at the beginning of the book (go ahead and read it if you skipped it earlier). The Inclusive Mindset is when we approach the world with a sense of wonderment and curiosity. It is when we focus on how we progress and get better no matter where we are starting from. It is where we are less concerned if we get it all right and are more concerned about growing a deeper and more impactful understanding of the world and the human beings within it. The Inclusive Mindset is about noticing how diversity is present in our lives every single day if we acknowledge it and find ways to include more people and move toward having a more beautiful life. When we have this type of thinking, when we feel for others in this type of way, we know we are beginning to embrace diversity and inclusion not just at the head level but at the heart level, which leads to meaningful action and progress.