Let’s Pause and Revisit This When We’re in a Better Headspace
August 3, 2025•267 words
"When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion." - Dale Carnegie
"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." - Mahatma Gandhi
"You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond." - Epictetus
"Emotional self-control, delaying gratification and stifling impulsiveness, underlies accomplishment of every sort." - Daniel Goleman
People are drawn into emotional territory by conflict, where they frequently say things before they've been carefully considered.
It's simple to say things we don't really mean in these situations, which can strain relationships or impede advancement. Emotionally intelligent people, however, are aware of this dynamic and are ready for it. They understand that disagreement need not lead to dominance or personal failure, but rather can be a chance to improve cooperation and understanding.
An open mindset that fosters resolution over ego is reflected in the statement, "Conflict makes people say things they don't mean, and we need to walk away for 24 hours to have clarity."
It denotes a change from the natural tendency to "win" a debate to developing a "we" mentality, where the focus is on fostering trust and resolving conflicts without compromising respect. Winning arguments on an individual basis can boost pride, but they rarely result in positive, lasting effects. Selecting timing over reaction and connection over control are the keys to true strength.