Why can’t you be more like me?

If you would act and think like me, life would be so much easier. Especially for me. And even perhaps for you.

Just imagine, you could outsource all your thinking to me. Just do as I say, and life would be dandy.

If the preceding statements sound crazy, it’s because they are. At least, I think they are.

Be honest. How often do you wish people acted and thought like you?

I know it’s tempting to wish that other people acted and thought like you, but it’s not realistic. And that’s a good thing.

It’s been proven time and time again that diversity of thought is a good thing. It’s what propels us forward as a species.

I know it can be challenging when people disagree and don’t see eye to eye with your ideas and way of thinking, but instead of getting frustrated, what if you changed your position from being defensive to being curious?

I agree. It’s easier said than done.

Taking a position of curiosity doesn’t require you to capitulate your position. It opens your mind to new ideas. It moves you from being confrontational to open to communication.

Learning to respond instead of reacting is the first step in being more open to people contradicting your way of thinking. A simple statement such as, I’ll think about what you said, or that’s a different perspective, can diffuse many tense moments. While these scripts might initially sound and feel pre-rehearsed, you’ll get used to them over time. And, of course, you can always create your own responses.

So, the next time you find yourself wishing a person thought more like you, pause for a moment, and move from reaction to response. Shift your position from adversarial to curious and hear them out. Who knows, if you do this often enough, you might find others willing to do the same for you.

P.S. Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed it, please share it with one person you love.