If you’ve spent any time on this earth, you know that life contains conflict. There are times in our lives when we need to fight. But if we fight all the time, we can wear ourselves out. That’s why it’s important to pick our battles.
To gain a better perspective on when to fight back and when to “let it go,” John Maxwell suggested the following disciplines:
1. Spend time with people who are different from you. This helps you appreciate and understand how others think and work. You will be less inclined to judge or battle them.
2. In matters of personal preference or taste, give in. Keep the main thing the main thing. If you don’t save your energy for what really matters, you’ll wear yourself out and wear out your welcome with others.
3. Don’t take things too personally. In general, hurting people hurt people. And they’re also easily hurt by others. Keep that in mind when you’re on the receiving end of someone’s anger.
4. Practice the 101% Principle. Whenever possible in a difficult situation, find the 1% that you do agree on and give it 100% of your effort.
5. Be a servant leader. If your mindset is to serve rather than be served, you will be less likely to encounter resistance.
The best team doesn’t always win;
it’s usually the team that gets along best.
