I once read a snippet called “The 45 Lessons Life Taught Me.” It is one of my favorite pieces; consequently, I’m going to illustrate each lesson on this blog. In the end, I hope you’re as inspired as I am to make each day better than the last.
Life Lesson #6: You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
From the time we’re little kids, we’re slowly encouraged to win. Everything.
Maybe it happens subtly, as when our parents give us harder hugs for getting a prize than they do when we don’t receive a prize. (Shouldn’t parents react in the opposite fashion?) Perhaps it’s quite in-your-face, like when dad broods because a Little League game was lost. Regardless, we learn to want to win.
And that’s okay. Sorta.
The problem occurs when we take that “I-must-win-at-all-costs” attitude into every single conversation, especially on the job. Rather than listening to the other person’s words, we’re plotting our next move to win.
But you know what? I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to lose an argument.
It’s fine to change your mind or just agree to disagree. It’s mature, it’s cool and it’s practical.
And you know what? I’ve discovered that – sometimes — when you lose, you actually win.
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