Massage Your Mind!: Tongue-Biting for Excellence
We do a lot of thinking. We also spend a lot of time defending
our ideas. In the process, we often attack (okay, more like poke
at) the ideas of others.
Let's try something new for the next few days. Instead of poking
at other's ideas, make two SUPPORTIVE statements about what they
have to say, even if you don't agree with the main idea. Find
something INTERESTING about their viewpoint. It doesn't have to
be positive exactly. But for this week, try to pause long enough
to note interesting points FIRST.
Practice doing this when you read the paper or listen to the
news. Pause to come up with something INTERESTING first before
attacking. Even if your least favorite politician just did
something idiotic. Even if your least favorite actress is quoted
as saying something inane.
It's tempting to make a snide remark immediately. It's fun to
sneer. Hold off. Think "interesting". And see what comes up.
Is your tongue bleeding? Are you biting it while thinking of
"interesting" points first before attacking? Good job! This is a
critical part of becoming an excellent human.
Let's add something more. Every day, let someone else be right.
No, really. Even if you know they are wrong, let them have the
last word. You can fume if you want to, but it's bad form.
Take heart in knowing that you still know better (if that is
indeed the case) and also in recognizing that your generosity in
allowing someone else to be right will ultimately come back to
you in some way. Okay, only if you believe in that, but I do.
Every day. One person. That's it. That's not so hard, is it?
Pause. Look for interesting points. Refrain for knee-jerk
cynicism. Allow someone else to be right.
Try if for a few days. But I've got to warn you--it could be
habit forming.
You just might find yourself becoming excellent.