To Talk or Not To Talk: Hardship

Authenticity means being true to who you are, but what if your truth is suffering?

Two schools of thought come to mind:
A: Share your suffering with no one, find internal strength, overcome.
B: Be open about your needs, lean on others, receive help graciously.

Both answers share a similar core: Never complain and be focus on gratitude.
Both strategies work, but strategy B depends on who you talk to, and how.

A misplaced “I don’t know what to do” conversation may be result in directions that cloud your mind and guide you further astray.

A well placed “This is my strategy, how can I improve it” conversation with a good listener will result in insightful challenging questions that bring clarity.

However, a poorly placed “This is my strategy, how can I improve it” conversation with a bad listener will hurt and may risk your reputation if they are a colleague with a bias against indecision.

And yet, versions of the “I don’t know what to do” is the question a better listener must prepared for, but you must strive to give clarity rather than confusion.

The world needs better listeners.

Thank you for being one.