I have been having some conversations recently which have reminded me of the importance of speaking your mind. It isn't something I am very good it in normal life although in my work I seem to find the courage! Maybe because my clients are paying me to say what I think I have the confidence to tell it straight without mincing my words.
Yet, despite the great results I get professionally when I do this, I still find it hard in civilian life. In civilian life you are in danger of hurting someone's feelings or cutting off your nose to spite your face. You may find you got something off your chest only to discover you now have a whole new problem - your friends aren't talking to you!
However, there is a powerful case for speaking your mind when not to do so threatens your own well-being. I'm not talking about speaking your mind because if you don't you'll burst! But speaking your mind because if you don't you are being assaulted.
It's a strong word but occasionally other people's behaviour towards you feels like an assault. Words do hurt and when other people take you for granted, trample over your boundaries or make you the butt of their jokes it is time to stand up for yourself.
In such cases the motivation isn't hurting the other person back or trying to change their behaviour, it is rebuilding yourself. You do it because you are looking out for yourself and you have the right to expect better.
The other person may be upset or angry and there may be consequences. But if you have confidence in yourself, most of these consequences can be overcome too. The more you take care of yourself the more you find opportunities coming your way. The more you take care of yourself the more your confidence grows. And when confidence grows and opportunities come your way you can pat yourself on the back and know that it was worth speaking your mind.
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