Unburden Yourself - Grasshopper

How often do you say, "I was wrong about that"?

If you're anything like me, not nearly as often as you should.

We all carry around a burden that's surprisingly heavy, and most of us don't even realize we're lugging it around.

What's the burden? –The need to be right.

Have you ever noticed how much energy it takes to defend a position? Once we've declared ourselves right, we start gathering evidence, building a case, and waiting for the day everyone else discovers we knew it all along.

And while we're busy proving our point, we miss other possibilities.

Being right can become a set of blinders. Instead of staying curious, we become invested in a verdict.

I'm not suggesting we give up our opinions. Opinions are useful. But maybe we can let go of the need to attach "right" to them.

The moment we do, something noticeable happens.

We get lighter.

After all, being right requires maintenance. You have to keep track of all the facts, arguments, and examples that support your position. It's like spending every day on the witness stand, defending your case.

Most of us are quick to remember the times we were right and remarkably forgetful about the times we weren't.

That reminds me of my stepfather.

Whenever one of his predictions came true, he'd turn to my mother and say, "Didn't I call that shot, Lil?"

Of course, there were hundreds of his predictions that didn't pan out, but those never made the highlight reel.

Truth be told, we're all a little like that.

So what's the remedy?

Take the "right" out of your opinions.

Because the minute you're right, somebody else has to be wrong. And nobody enjoys being cast in that role.

One phrase has helped me tremendously: "Time will tell."

"Time will tell if that strategy works."
"I'm not sure that's the best approach, but time will tell."
"I think this new band called The Beatles is just a fad . . . but time will tell."
(Yes, I was wrong about that one.)

When we remove the need to be right, we become open to learning something new. We stop defending and start discovering.

So today, do a little spring mental house cleaning.

Dust the "right" off your opinions and notice how much lighter they become.

All the best,