“Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?” In this episode, I talk about my internal struggle with this classic question. This isn’t a clear cut decision, and most of us have to overcome ourselves to make sure we are recognizing things we can change, things we can’t change, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Summary
Lately, I’ve found myself on edge on numerous occasions and lashing out at people to simply win the conversation. The subject matter or situation may not even matter; I just know I want to be “right” by any means necessary. When I get into this mode, I realize this is my ego talking. This isn’t me acting in my normal capacity as an officer, father, husband, coach, or teammates. My ego has completely taken over my actions and I will find reasons to initiate arguments so I can win them. I want to be “right” so bad that I start tearing down others to make myself feel better.
That is a TERRIBLE way for a leader to conduct themselves.
Why do I want to win? Do I even really want to win, or do I want to make someone else lose? Arguably, the latter often is the case for me. I’m pushing the negative energy I have within myself to someone else at the expense of the situation at hand. This is very destructive behavior, and I don’t claim to be perfect and say this never happens to me. I am getting better at recognizing when my ego is in the driver’s seat and choosing a different path: to be happy. Listen to the episode to hear how making this choice is better on so many levels.