It takes courage to follow our convictions.
But it takes character
to reevaluate them.
The problem is, our brains have this motivational drive to
reduce inconsistency whenever possible. When given the choice between
flexibility and certainty, between looking stupid and looking right, our egos
will always choose the latter.
We’d rather stick to our guns, even if we shoot ourselves in
the foot. We’d rather stand our ground, even if we step on other people’s toes.
Because none of us wants to admit that what we bled for, what we believed in
and what we held so dear for so long, was completely wrong.
So we follow our convictions.
We stay together with a lover who manipulates us, trapped at
the end of a dead romance. We stay employed by a company that abuses us, indentured
to a dysfunctional system. We stay obsessed with an idea that destroys us, deluded by
an outdated dream.
And then we
congratulate ourselves for being courageous.
But that’s not courage – that’s just consistency.
In those moments when the truth isn’t what we need it to be,
we owe it to ourselves – and to the people we love – to follow a different
path. Even if we look wrong along the way.
Better to be honest with ourselves than right about ourselves.
LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What convictions do you need to let go of?
LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
For the list called, “17 Behaviors to Avoid for Effective Listening,” send an email to me, and you win the list for free!
* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag
Writing, Publishing, Performing, Consulting
HELLO, my name is Host!
Did
you know you could hire Scott as your emcee, mobile host, roving
reporter or on camera talent for your organization’s next event?
Watch sample footage of his hosting work here!