Photo by BP Miller

Ho Ho Ho Gang –

Bitter pill for some of us… eh?

Well, the older I get the dumber I get and I like it!

Vicki

You Won’t Always be Right

By Nedra Glover Tawwab

There is a lot of confidence and prestige that is assumed when we have information that other people don’t have, or when we have some insight or insider information that others don’t.

(…)

On occasion we may be the person who insists on being right. When that happens we have to ask ourselves what that’s about. 

  • What role is my ego playing?
  • How do I feel when I know more information than other people?
  • How do I feel when I know less?
  • How do I feel when I realize I am wrong about something?
  • How do I feel when I am corrected?

One thing that would be worthwhile for all of us to practice is using the statement, “I don’t know,” or asking the question, “Can you tell me more?” Some adults will behave like children and make up knowing things. There is something primal in us that bristles against not knowing or knowing less than someone on a particular topic. When those moments happen we have to examine them. 

There are multiple ways to do many things. I know this because when I’m trying to do something new, one of the things I love to do is research how to do it. If I am learning how to garden, I’ll read a few different gardening books because everybody’s technique is a little different.

(…)

There is a lot going on in the world at all times, and I don’t need to know it all. It’s great to be in conversation with people because I am able to learn from them. Feeling the need to know and have answers for everything doesn’t leave a lot of room for the gray areas of life. It doesn’t leave room for nuance and growth. 

When you are wrong, admit it. When someone makes a mistake, lead with compassion. You don’t need to say “I told you so.” You don’t need to be right all the time, and when you try to be it damages your relationships. People feel like they can’t make mistakes with you. They feel like they can’t be imperfect with you. It puts up walls and discourages authenticity and vulnerability. 

How do you behave when you are wrong?

Related Posts