Our words are very powerful and sometimes we withhold those that can help us grow as well as improve the state of our world. With that in mind, here are five things I should have said during the past year:
“I don’t agree.”
It’s rare but sometimes I will hear something I really don’t agree with. It may also offend me.
While I respect other people’s points of view, there is a time and a place to say, “I don’t agree with that,” and then explain why.
Sometimes it’s easier to nod and tolerate the remark. But this does little to change someone’s thinking or point of view. Silence can make people think that you approve.
“You’re doing a great job under the circumstances.”
I’ve seen the situation many times where one clerk or sales associate is trying to do the work of many employees. I don’t know the back story for the understaffing. All I tend to notice is that I’m stuck on a long line.
I need to think less about the scenario that’s led me to frustration and more on the person who’s struggling to keep up with demand.
Often this person becomes the target of abuse that is in no way his or her fault. In fact, these are often real heroes. We shouldn’t punish them for other’s actions.
Usually, I’m polite in this situation. But would I be a better person and have a bigger impact on the world if I decided to be encouraging?
“I’m a bit tongue-tied. Let me try that again.”
Even though I can talk to large groups and usually have the gift of gab, sometimes, my brain shorts out. I lose my words.
What comes out may may not be pretty. When this happens, I need to have the confidence to say, “I’m a bit overwhelmed right now, let me regroup,” instead of further verbally digging myself into a hole.
The funny thing is that everyone gets tongue tied at some point in time and yet we all hate to admit it.
“Yes.”
Odds are that I’ve been offered cool opportunities and turned them down. Why? I dunno. Maybe I was tired that day, wasn’t sure if I wanted to try a new food, or just wasn’t confident in a new situation.
But looking back (and we’re talking about legal stuff here) I may have missed out. So being able to indulge spontaneity a bit more would probably be a good thing.
“No.”
This may seem like a contradiction to the previous point but it involves a different scenario. Saying, “Yes,” to someone else is not always in your best interest.
A “Yes” is easy to say but later you regret it. It can be hard to say, “No.” But sometimes refusing to do something or take on more responsibilities is your best move.
Time is a limited resource and you have the right to spend it as you choose.
