Adversity can bring you opportunity- an opportunity to do your homework! GenuLines helps you get an edge by looking at all sides of an issue.
Handle Adversity: Consider Opposing Viewpoints
Adversity often grows out of misinformation about a situation. You know the information might not be true but you act on it as if it was.
A good way to counter this situation is to take the other end of an argument or the opposing viewpoint.
First, consider the people you have an issue with and learn more about them. Do you disagree with their political views? Or do you have some other bias against them? For instance, religion can bring out different standpoints and beliefs.
For the sake of discussion, we’ll call your opposition adversaries. You’ll need to find out more about them.
The internet is a good place to start. If you get stuck go old school. Visit your local library and ask the reference librarian.
They specialize in research and they can help you.
Get A Read on Things
Read material that you normally would not. Do this even if you’re not facing an adversarial situation.
It gets you in the mindset of accepting differences in others. You can look for magazines and books, or you can view blogs and forums related to the topic you want to learn.
You aren’t required to agree with adversarial topics. You only want to learn more about them so that you have information on your side.
Back your arguments with information. This will make it tougher to challenge you because you can cite your sources.
Play devil’s advocate when approaching any subject. Try to pose questions that your adversaries would pose. See if you can understand why they would pose those questions.
It may get you to rethink your own beliefs.
What were they thinking?
It’s also important to understand the motivations of your adversaries. Here’s an example. Fundraisers sometimes use a lot of hype to get you to buy into their message.
When this happens, knowing the facts will help you make your decision.
Try to stay away from name-calling since this never solves the problem. You’ll come off as petty.
And you might strengthen your adversary’s position.
It’s okay to argue with people when you have the facts on your side. But, some people won’t accept those facts no matter how hard you try to get them to consider them.
When this happens, there isn’t much you can do but walk away.
JohnK 9-17-2017
Overheard: “Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune, but great minds rise above them” ~ Washington Irving
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