Living in a small town in the province is one of many people's goals for its simplicity.

However, those who have stayed in a small town long enough may have developed a small-town mentality. They are often stagnant, uninterested in other ideas, and only interested in what's happening in their small community - as if nothing significant is happening outside their town. I noticed this with some previous colleagues.

Here are four dangers I noticed with people with a small-town mentality.

1. You Will Not Grow Beyond Your True Potential.

You'll never realize your full potential if you never leave your hometown, even for a while.

It's like being the biggest fish in a small pond. Sure, you're good compared with the same people in your small town, but you don't realize there's a vast ocean with much bigger fish outside. It's like why some people seemed to peak in their high school; they never ventured outside.

To realize your true potential, you must realize there's more to what you know.

2. You Will Miss Out on Opportunities.

The small-town mindset is a great limiter.

I saw many people with great potential but chose to stay in their hometowns because it's safe and familiar. I'm not saying that you should leave your hometown and never return. Instead, go outside, explore for some time, and then apply the knowledge you have acquired back to your hometown.

As they say, if you want to improve your and your family's life, one generation must take the leap.

3. Gossip as a Way of Life.

The gossip culture is one of the worst things about people with small-town mindsets.

Since they live in a seemingly confined space, what is happening around them is the only reality. Some think it's their duty to "share" what's happening in other people's lives. However, they hate being called a tsismoso/tsismosa.

Though the rise of "marites" became a more acceptable title.

4. You Will Be Afraid to Make a Change.

If you've lived in your hometown or home province for so long, you will likely be absorbed by the prevailing system or "sistema."

Some people use their power and influence to get ahead, not knowing they already practice corruption. They will then defend what they do by saying something like, it is what it is or "Ganito na talaga. Wala nang magagawa."

Change is difficult, and if you don't make a conscious effort to move away from having a small-town mentality, then you will be trapped.