Tiny Thoughts: You Don’t Always Need to Have an Opinion
I’ve been (jokingly?) accused of talking too much. Maybe it’s true. In reading What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, the idea of saying less started to resonate with me. I always knew there is value in listening more but practicing deliberately withholding thoughts or opinions is a new idea.
For example, when getting feedback of any type, whether it’s a compliment or criticism, just say “Thank you.” Especially if you are not sure what to say.
Marcus Aurelius said, “you always have the option of having no opinion.” I think these two ideas are strongly related in that you can easily create extra conflict just by providing your opinion when none is asked for.
Care about the things you can control. But when it comes to something that you don’t have any impact over, try to withhold your opinion and save your energy for something that matters.