Being Right or Being Happy. Which One Would You Choose?
Kenan Kolday
General Manager | Director Plant Operations | Interim Management | Turnaround | Start-up | I help people and companies improve ??
Each choice means giving up another solution.
If you’re like most people, you probably answer “both.” But what if you had to choose? Would you rather be right, or would you rather be happy?
It’s an interesting question to ponder. After all, being right often doesn’t lead to happiness. In fact, being right can sometimes make us quite unhappy. Just think about all the arguments you’ve had with loved ones over things that didn’t really matter in the end. Would you rather have been right, or would you rather have had a peaceful resolution?
On the other hand, being happy doesn’t always mean being right. We can be happy even when we’re wrong about something. And sometimes, being happy is more important than being right.
Does that mean ignorance is bliss?
Not necessarily. But it does mean that being happy is a choice we can make, regardless of whether or not we’re right about something.
Another devil`s advocate type of question can shed more light on this tough topic.
If being happy only comes from being right, then what about people who are always right?
Surely they must be the happiest people alive! Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Just think of all the people you know who are constantly arguing with others and seem to be unhappy most of the time.
So being right doesn’t guarantee happiness, and being happy doesn’t mean giving up your ability to be right. This may seem to lead the discussion to choose to be happy. However, the answer is not as easy as choosing between right and wrong.
What are the conditions that will make you prefer happiness over being right?
-If being right or right does not matter
-if you are in a philosophical debate and winning or losing does not really change your life
-if you are being right about something that will make you or another person unhappy
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-If being happy will only satisfy your ego but nothing else
What are the conditions that will make you prefer being right rather than being happy?
-your values come into play at this stage and you can't step back from being who you are
-if you are harassed, retaliated, or mobbed, you better stand up for yourself because the fear of not facing your antagonist and keeping a low profile is a fake feeling of happiness
-if it is a matter of life or death
-if you are living with toxic people who will suck your life energy and whatever you give to them
-if you have been in a happiness game in which you tried to pretend like you are happy and avoided being right for a long time
Based on these last 2 questions, I feel like the answer is conditional. There I no fixed answer but a likelihood of answers that best fit each circumstance.
So the next time you’re in an argument with someone, ask yourself: would you rather be right, or would you rather be happy? The answer might surprise you.
With love,
Kenan
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