CHAPTER 6
Hidden Challenge #3: Rationalizing the Negative
PESSIMISM DOESN’T PAY
People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.
—THICH NHÂT HAŃH, VIETNAMESE MONK AND ACTIVIST
RATIONALIZING CAN LOOK like using logic to sideline risk as you shield yourself from the trials and benefits of engaging in conflict and other challenging communication. One of the best ways to find courage to attack fear was offered to me in simple terms by one of the most savvy and generous communicators I’ve met, my friend Surge. We met in college at Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana. We had many late-night phone conversations and weeknight dinners about the various slings and arrows of that ...
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