Why Getting Your Way Might Be a Bad Idea

Author

Kevin A. Thompson
August 29, 2024

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We often think if we could just get our way, life would be better. And many times that is the case. I often remind people (in jest) that if they would just do what I say we all would be happy.

However, there are times in which getting your way will actually lead to the exact opposite outcome. Anytime we strong-arm, coerce, guilt, or manipulate others into doing what we desire the result is almost always two fold:

  1. In the short-term, we get the outcome we desire.

  2. In the long-term, we end up with strained relationships.

One of the key principles of Stay In Your Lane is to honor the decision-making rights of other people. Even if they are making bad decisions, they have the right to make those decisions rather than being manipulated by you.

Yet in the relationships that matter the most to us, we are tempted to fixate on the outcome we desire at whatever expense to the relationship might be experienced. That is a bad trade.

This week on Change the Odds the Podcast, I speak with two callers who are dealing with circumstances in their lives where they need help navigating their next step. (If you want to be a future caller, sign-up HERE.) In one call, there is a strong temptation to manipulate a desired outcome, but the couple is wisely choosing a better way. Listen here on Spotify or Apple. (And don’t forget to hit the follow button.

How To Love Others Well

In this episode of Change The Odds, Kevin talks with two callers, offering guidance on how to navigate life’s challenging moments while embracing the power of l

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-the-odds/id1724097706?i=1000666931475

We continue the process of developing Becoming Friends, Partners & Lovers: The Guidebook. Small groups across the country are beginning to form and marriage mentors are taking mentees through the study. The Kindle version is under $7 on Amazon. It’s a worthwhile investment in your marriage.

Here’s a new session that’s out:

If you would like to start a small group, I’d be happy to Zoom in for a session. Just respond to this email.