We’ve all fooled ourselves. So, let’s not do it again, right?
Wouldn’t it be great if it were so easy to spot our own BS?
Here’s a simple checklist for self-honesty:
Begin with humor and curiosity . . . are they present? Do you feel them?
___ yes ___ no
If no, you’re on your way towards bullshitting yourself. Stop. Look at what you’re thinking and follow that train of thought to the point where it begins to seem absurd, almost funny. Right there, you’re being honest and can proceed to the next question . . . which is:
Do you want to be helpful in this moment?
___ no ___ yes
If no, you’re bullshitting yourself. We all want to be helpful, deep down, where it counts. So, stretch for a yes and know that it will be there. Now, if you wanted to be helpful (and we secretly suspect you do), a good place to start would be with a genuine interest in what the other person was actually trying to express.
Do you want to listen caringly first? Before you offer your solutions or fixes?
___ no ___ yes
If no, stop.
You see the problem, don’t you?
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