Sometimes it's OK to be the only person who knows you're right.

It took me a long time to realise this.

My intense need to be right in my younger years meant I over-thought, over-analysed and over-practised, meaning my work product was up there with the best.

However, the pursuit of being right came at a cost. Strained relationships, exhaustion, not always being emotionally present with my loved ones. The list goes on.

Over time I've learnt it's often better to prioritise understanding and empathy over the need to be right. I guess this is the difference between knowledge and wisdom.

1. Being right isn't the same as winning.

While it may feel satisfying to be right in an argument or debate, the sense of victory is often short-lived. Being right doesn't necessarily mean you've achieved something significant or made progress in a meaningful way. It's entirely possible to be right about a particular issue and still fail to persuade others, create positive change, or contribute to a broader understanding. I was once given some feedback by a manager who is now a dear friend. She told me “Sarah, sometimes you are like a dog with a bone and it’s simply exhausting.” So, pay attention to the impact your words have on others. Finding common ground rather than winning an argument, is far more satisfying.

2. Sometimes there is no right.

Life is full of complexity, and there are times when there is no single "right" answer. In these instances, recognise that multiple perspectives can co-exist, and the pursuit of a definitive right answer is probably futile. Seek to understand the different viewpoints at play, and work towards a solution that acknowledges everyone's needs.

3. Being curious about other people's ideas can be far more interesting than being right.

There is immense value in cultivating curiosity about the ideas and beliefs of others. It wasn’t until I stopped telling my staff what to do and started asking “how do you think we should proceed?” that I discovered they had much better ideas than me! Make a point of listening to diverse perspectives and I guarantee you will be blessed with new avenues of thought that challenge your assumptions and lead to greater collaboration.

Be curious, focus on understanding first. Move beyond the need to be right and instead, nurture a more inclusive, generous way of being.