I’ll start with a little story about guacamole.
I’m standing in line and the man in front of me is ordering his food. He gets a steak bowl. The employee asks what toppings he wants on it and he tells them. As the employee is about to box up his bowl, he says:
Can I have guac on that?
The employee doesn’t hear him. He has this look on his face like he wants to say something, but he won’t. He’s there with his girlfriend and she gives him a glance, as if to say “Dude, you’re not going to speak up and get your guac?”
By the time they reach the checkout counter, the girlfriend ends up asking for a side of guacamole.
This leads to my first point.
How You Respond to Social Pressure
It’s telling to see how well people respond to social pressure: situations that involve some level of conflict. Some people can face it and deal with it. Others fold.
If that guy couldn’t muster up the courage to ask for guacamole, what other problems is he running into in his life because of his inability to speak up? I can picture all the missed opportunities, things he wishes he would’ve said, things he wishes he could’ve done.
All lost because he can’t face a little conflict. If it seems like I’m exaggerating, you weren’t there. You could see the timid nature in his eyes and it was written all over his body.
There are so many situations where doing or saying one little thing makes a world of difference. Do you have the guts to question your boss when they’re making a misstep? Can you check somebody when they’re being rude?
Can you speak up to get what you want? Closed mouths don’t get fed.
Whether or Not You Keep Your Word
If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Make a rule for yourself that once you speak certain words, they’re set in stone. Don’t break promises to yourself or other people, ever, no matter how small.