I love this question. It challenges that innate desire for consistency that sometimes ties us in knots as we stick to a point of view that no longer makes sense to us.
- And yet, what are we to do?
- Publicly acknowledge that we have a new opinion?
- Wouldn’t this somehow devalue us in the eyes of others?
- Are we not someone who knows their mind?
In truth, we probably get too attached to our words once they leave our mouths. It often feels as if the priority is defending our words rather than getting to the heart of the matter.
– What then are our words?
– Are they not puffs of air?
– Or soundwaves wafting in the ether?
Which would you prefer:
– To be “right” and learn nothing?
– To be “wrong” and keep learning?
Question in the Image:
- What have I changed my mind about?
Which would you prefer:
– To be “right” and learn nothing?
– To be “wrong” and keep learning?
Want to Read More Around This Topic?
Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations by Richard Wagamese (link to Amazon.co.uk). This book changed my mind about many things, including what a book can be. Whilst being in essence a meditation on life, the book is in truth a call to action. A call to love life and to express that love in everything we do.
Nurturing Curiosity – Daily Practice: This is part of the Nurturing Curiosity series of tools, insights and questions designed to help nurture curiosity as part of our daily practice. In point of fact, every interaction we have is an opportunity to question what we are observing and how we and others are seeing the world. Also remember that questions come in many forms throughout our day. Indeed, the smoke wafting from the candle by my side is asking me all sorts of questions. It is saying “Look at me – I am free – I can go where I want – I can take any shape I want – What about you?” And yet, even the smoke can only go up so I wonder: Where can I truly not go?
About Tom O’Leary
Tom guides bold pioneers through inner transitions towards regenerative futures.
His primary offering – through a process he calls Ecological Coaching – is about working with leaders on the mindset, skillset and structural shifts that will power their organisation’s outer transition.
This means helping leaders thrive while creating ripples of positive change within their organisation and most importantly for the communities they serve and ultimately life on this planet.
It is thus not just about the leader as an “individual” but rather as part of an ecology of relationships. Within this ecology, he helps the leader feel heard, gain clarity, take action, build confidence and thrive all in service of something bigger.
How Might Tom Help?
My first invitation is to take maximum advantage of the free content on this site.
- As you are reading this, you are clearly on a fascinating journey. If you feel you would benefit from us doing some work together on some aspect of your journey, please explore this page: How Can I Serve?
- I also endeavour to answer every email so if you have any queries do reach out.
