Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Plato
Imagine if every decision you make is the right one.
Imagine if every time you are faced with a dilemma, you know what to do.
Imagine never giving in to temptation and doing the 'right' thing.
While this may sound very 'pie in the sky' in truth, it is possible.
Wisdom is having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right. Wisdom is a deep understanding and realization of people, events, or situations. Reason and knowledge prevail, not emotions, to determine one's actions.
It's about making the right choice given the situation you are in.
You can:
-- ask people for advice
-- research
-- make lists of pros and cons
-- worry and agonize
but in the end, it's your decision to make.
Ironically, the true, most aligned answer is usually already inside of us. If we are really honest with ourselves, often we choose not to think through potential consequences or listen to that inner voice letting us know something isn't right (e.g. staying in a job too long, taking the 'wrong' job, marrying the 'wrong' person).
Wisdom comes with time, experience, and the willingness to maintain an open-mind. While wisdom accumulates over the years, it requires constant filtering to remove the prejudices and bias, as well as constant reflection and, on occasion, a willingness to challenge one's own beliefs and values.
There is a question that you can ask yourself at any moment in time. The question can be a guidepost, an alter ego, a signal, etc. When you ask yourself this question, you could conceivably know right away what the answer is, what the best choice is, and what you should do next.
The QUESTION: What would a wise person do?
The question can be used in the most mundane or the deepest, most challenging situation.
Example:
I was working as an examiner for new coaches and felt strongly about the grade I gave to a student. Another examiner tried to convince me to raise it. On one hand, it was no sweat off my back either way. On the other hand, I felt strongly that the student didn't merit a higher grade. When I asked myself "What would a wise person do?" I decided to hold to my decision and lost the position. I still think it was a good decision albeit with an unfortunate outcome. We cannot control the outcome - only the choice we make.
We can make sound decisions that have unfavorable endings just as we can make poor decisions that have a great outcome. And, sometimes choices we make can be altered. Either way, in the end, it's our integrity and truth that matters.
Another example: A client was unsure how to discipline and handle a situation with her daughter. When asked "What would a wise person do in this situation?" she immediately came up with a resolution.
What is it about the question that allows people to make a sensible decision?
It takes people out of their ego and self-judgment and has them thinking 'outside of the box' as if they were helping someone else instead of themselves. It is easier when we are not emotionally involved and asking this question takes all of the emotion out of the decision.
Using wisdom, you are able to think things through before acting upon them thus usually leaving you peaceful. Very often, we get a certain 'gut feeling' or sense of calm that arises when we intuitively know that something is right for us.
INVITATION TO EXPERIMENT
Think of a time when you were in a difficult situation or had to make a tough decision. Now imagine asking yourself the question "What would a wise person have done?"
Perhaps you can think of an ethical dilemma you are facing, or you are in a quandary or predicament, or wondering how to respond to someone or something, etc. See what happens if you ask yourself "What would a wise person do?" Hopefully, it will bring you clarity and calm.
Very best regards,
marion@lifecoachinggroup.com
(c) 2004-12. All rights reserved. Marion Franklin, www.lifecoachinggroup.com
Comments? Feedback? lllfeedback@lifecoachinggroup.com
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