It seems that we are socialized from infancy to battle for our slice of the pie, protect ourselves, or at the very least persuade others that our viewpoints are "correct." It's something we do at home, at school, at work, and at social events. We feel diminished, defeated, or embarrassed when we are "proven incorrect." Being proven incorrect may often throw our whole worldview into disarray, leaving us stranded.
The issue is that we all come equipped with the tools to slip into the "always be right" trap. Opinions may be compared to bellybuttons. We all have them, which means we have all of the elements required to create discord, strife, and anger.
These individuals are often rude, judgemental, and overbearing. When they seem to be smarter than you, they often take over discussions and praise themselves. What's more difficult is that you can't always avoid these individuals. If you work with individuals who exhibit these characteristics, you may be compelled to engage with them, regardless of how irritating their conduct is.
It's inflexibility at its most basic level. It manifests as domination at its peak. The desire to impose our worldviews on others stems from a fear of being judged. Humility and compassion are their polar opposites. Even the golden rule instructs us to treat others as we want to be treated. If you keep hammering someone until they flinch and accept your point of view, you're definitely unhappy with your existing relationships—or secretly need that reinforcement to feel good about yourself.
How to let go of the desire to be correct all of the time:
Understand that acceptance is not synonymous with weakness.
Acknowledging and accepting a different viewpoint, on the other hand, is a tremendous gesture of comprehension, self-confidence, and compassion. It's an indication that you've reached a certain level of emotional maturity. The linguistic expression of this viewpoint is the Hindu salutation "namaste." It literally means "I bow before you." It's "the soul in one acknowledging the soul in the other." We may discover the basis of peaceful coexistence and rich, enduring relationships in only one phrase. It is a symbol of humanity, peace, and pleasure.
Begin small.
It's not going to happen overnight if you want to be the Dalai Lama. Within the next 24 hours, vow to allow one opposing viewpoint to exist without trying to eliminate it. It's not necessary for you to believe it. You are not obligated to give up your opposing viewpoint. "I understand what you're saying," just say. Alternatively, "That's an angle I hadn't considered." Alternatively, just listen and nod. Avoid taking a defensive stance.
Of course, if you are faced with a viewpoint that is cruel or aggressive, you may express your displeasure without resorting to violence.
Accept the fact that you will never be able to alter everyone's mind.
There are a lot of individuals with strong views that you'll never be able to persuade to alter their minds. Other people will always have opposing views, and many of them, if not "correct," are at least intellectually reasonable. Allow the children to go. You are free to express your viewpoint without trying to persuade others to share it.
Put kindness and compassion ahead of the need to be "correct."
This is much more essential than persuading the whole world to your narrow viewpoint. We all encounter difficulties. We are all affected by loss and suffering. Circumstances influence all of our viewpoints. You'll never completely grasp why someone believes what they think until you've lived their life. Listening to someone else's explanation for their emotions may be enlightening. It strengthens your bond with that individual and broadens your understanding of the world.
Seek opportunities to alter your mind.
When your viewpoint varies from someone else's, tell them you're willing to accept their point of view if they provide you with a solid reason for it. It may not persuade you to alter your viewpoint, but you may still say that you understand their point of view without agreeing with it.
Recognize that changing your mind or enabling someone else to prove you incorrect does not change who you are.
You are a one-of-a-kind wonder of creation and you will make errors and succeed, you will assist and harm people, and you will be correct and incorrect. You, on the other hand, are fine. You're still the same person. Compassion for others is a byproduct of self-compassion. Begin there. It just gets better from here.
Read also:
Leave a Reply