The Uncommon Playground of Thought ????

The Uncommon Playground of Thought ????

Dr. Cherry, Quite Contrary

Because even in disagreement, 10% is probably right.

Imagine this: You’re at a family dinner, and your uncle—the one who loves conspiracy theories—drops a wild statement. Your instinct? ?? Roll your eyes. Shut him down. Prove him wrong.

But what if, instead of dismissing him outright, you played a different game? ?? One where you listened with love ?? and challenged with curiosity ?? instead of yelling and shutting down.

?? The 10% Rule: Finding the Hidden Truth in Every Conversation

Here’s a radical idea: Even when someone is mostly wrong, 10% of what they’re saying is probably right, useful, or relevant.

It doesn’t mean you agree with them. It means you’re willing to hear them out. ??

• That uncle ranting about “the media”? ?? Maybe he’s exaggerating, but his 10% truth? Bias exists in news.
• That coworker pushing back against remote work? ?? Maybe you think they’re outdated, but their 10% truth? Some teams do need more in-person connection.
• That person on social media arguing in ALL CAPS? ?? Maybe their tone is off, but their 10% truth? They feel unheard, and that frustration is real.

When we stop looking for why people are wrong ? and start seeking the 10% they got right ?, we create space for real conversations.

?? The Six Inches Between Your Ears: Where the Real Battle Happens

The real war isn’t happening on Twitter, at Thanksgiving dinner, or in boardrooms. It’s happening in the six inches between your ears.

• Do you enter conversations to win ?? or to learn ???
• Are you listening to respond ?? or to understand ???
• Do you see people with different views as enemies ?? or teachers ???

If we listen with love ?? instead of rage ??, and challenge with curiosity ?? instead of defensiveness ???, we open up a whole new playground of thought. ??

?? Let’s Play a New Game: “Spot the 10%”

Next time someone says something you instantly reject, try this:

1?? Pause. ?? Take a breath. The world won’t end if you don’t clap back immediately. 2?? Ask: “What’s the 10% truth here?” Even if it’s tiny, find it. ?? 3?? Respond with curiosity: “I never thought of it that way—tell me more.” ?? 4?? Then, share your view—not to win, but to exchange ideas. ??

This isn’t about letting harmful ideas slide. ? It’s about breaking the cycle of rage and division—one conversation at a time. ??

So, are you willing to play on the uncommon playground of thought? ???

Because the real game-changers are the ones who know how to listen and learn from all people. ???