A malleable person can learn how to listen to novel ideas and challenge them gracefully. Instead of accepting anything that is impressed upon the mind, a malleable person can learn discernment. Young minds are more easily impressionable than older minds, which is why young people are more susceptible to peer pressure or marketing tactics. The ability to think critically can enable a young, impressionable mind to remain both flexible and strong. Children are more malleable than older adults, who often become stuck in their ways. Habits are acquired or eliminated by being malleable and open to change. Therefore, being malleable means sometimes adopting bad habits but being equally as able to practice good habits too. Malleable persons are more likely to take criticism to heart and change to suit new situations. However, being too malleable can result in a loss of integrity...

A person who is too malleable may be called a pushover, or someone who is easily taken advantage of or abused. Kicking a malleable person is easier than kicking a person made of steal. Malleable persons with a strong self-image can overcome their potential weaknesses.
The ideal state of being malleable would resemble a piece of gold. Gold metal is both malleable and strong and is as a result one of the world's most precious and valuable commodities. Like gold, a malleable person is impressionable and soft but also stable and strong. To maintain the optimal balance of flexibility and strength, malleable individuals need to practice discernment and critical thinking. A malleable person also needs to retain a core sense of self, too. To avoid being at the mercy of external influences, a malleable person needs to rely on his or her inner strength.