Sometimes it’s hard to admit that you are wrong. There are many situations where you know that you are right and want to go to the ends of the earth just to prove you are right. However, how many times have you engaged in one of these situations and found out you were wrong? Wouldn’t things have been a lot easier if you admitted you were wrong sooner in the process?

I’ve found out that although saying you are wrong stings a bit, it gives you a bit of liberation of sorts. What I mean is that it makes you feel a bit better and allows you to continue to have a better relationship with the person you were arguing with.

I’ve had to struggle with this piece of advice but I have seen that I’ve made considerable changes to the way I engage most arguments. I now admit I’m wrong quicker or try to get a compromising point sooner. Besides, there’s more to life than arguing right?

So the next time you are arguing with someone, think hard about whether you are right or not. If you’re not, don’t drag it out, go ahead and admit you are wrong. Not only will you feel better but the other person will also respect you more.

Michael Lerma

Michael Lerma graduated the University of Notre Dame in 2009 with an Information Technology Management degree. He currently works for The Nielsen Company in their Emerging Leaders Program.