2-3-4 Friday: Knowing when to pick a fight 

‘Seeking to spark the most potential within you per word of any online newsletter’

1 thought

A few weeks ago, I sat to work at a cafe. After a few hours, the waitress approached me and asked if I needed anything. 

 

Can I help you? 

No. 

Well if you don’t need anything, you’ve been seated here for a few hours already. 

 

She didn’t say it. But she wanted me to go. And there was such a look of contempt in her eyes, as she looked me head to toe, at my shoddy shoes, or my untucked shirt, or my loose jeans. 

 

I was angry. Let’s pause. 

 

What would you do? Would you pick a fight? 

I rolled over. 

 

There are always times like these, aren’t there? When someone slights you, looks down on you, offends you, and you feel you’ve got to give them a piece of your mind. But here’s a question: 

 

Would that yield anything useful, beyond more proverbial angst? 

 

Here’s a thought for you. Power isn’t about using it. 

 

It’s about learning how NOT to use it. 

 

Why is this important? Because it’s the times when we learn when to back off, and stop using our efforts to try and change things that we conserve our strengths for times when it would be more effective.

 

It’s the times when we choose to yield, rather than fight, that we begin to see our efforts best spent on the things that will move. 

We aren’t heroes. Not everything you fight will see change. And sometimes, rolling over is useful in recognising that you can lose the battle but win the war. Some things just aren’t worth winning. 

 

1 talk

It’s not always about using your skills like a sword. But it’s also using your skill as a staff, supporting someone else through their mindset change. 

 

1 tip 

What do I mean? That war of words over Facebook. Or the argument with family about the state of politics or the latest controversy. 

Some things just don’t have to be won. 

Just let go. Roll over. You may find yourself a happier person.

 

P.S. Want to think differently about a problem you're facing? Talk to me, (and no worries, there's no fee!)

 

John

Live Young, Live Well - Work Your Love