Personal Growth Challenge Week 22: Would You Rather Be Right or Rather Be Happy?

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Chris

It’s been awhile since I have written a blog. A lot has been on my plate so forgive me for not reaching out to you. I wanted to get something out to you as a quick reminder for enjoying your summer. This blog’s main premise is on a quote I like… “Never argue with a fool. They will not only drag you down to your level, but beat you with experience every time.”

Now I am not saying you should be judging who is smarter or dumber than you, but what is the purpose of life? I think it is simple-Life is about being happy. You can be happy or you can be right. What I mean is that you can try and argue your point or your stance to someone and be unhappy trying to prove something to someone who isn’t even listening anyways. They are just trying to prove their point to you, thus continuing the endless circle as you try to prove your point. Happiness doesn’t come from proving people wrong, but in knowing you don’t have to prove you are right to anyone. The ego craves to show people you are important, you are smart, or whatever self-seeking approval we are looking for externally. SO what are you trying to prove really; does external satisfaction really make you happy? What if you looked to have internal satisfaction, something that you can never prove or show to anyone besides showing your smile.

Next time you are finding yourself trying to prove something that might be a waste of your time take notice how you feel. Do you feel good arguing, or does it mess with your energy and keep you from finding peace in this moment (if not your day)? Life is not about winning the battles with others, but finding the peace within to overcome the battles of the day altogether to win the war. Now I don’t consider life about winning a war, but who doesn’t love a good cliché? ;) There will always be discussions to educate those around us and for us to learn as well. It’s just a different way of looking at things to help you enjoy this moment, enjoy your life more fully, and to leave the stress and strife on the shoulder of life’s highway as you blow by. Expand yourself; don’t shrink and you will find that life is so much more satisfying as you put your best life forward.

Challenge:

1) Next time you find yourself arguing become aware of what your intentions are? Is it self-seeking, to prove someone wrong, to be right, just to argue, or are you helping all parties to find the best possible answer even if it’s not yours?

2) Step back from the situation and come back to it again later, if need be, when emotions are out of it and you have thought more logically. Sometimes just doing one thing different such as stepping away and coming back might be the break both parties need to think logically.

3) Ask yourself, do I have to be right at any cost? Is it more about me wanting to be right or do I want happiness in my every moment.