A good friend challenged me after the earlier post commenting that; “I didn’t quite make good” on my title and teaching on how to apply the content of “The Pain is in the Wrong Place” post.
I like a good challenge and those who are courageous enough to help, make us better. So here goes…
Too often we miss out on valuable lessons because, as my dad would say, “the pain was in the wrong place”. For a long time I didn’t know exactly what he meant by that. However, through some stories (like “The Beast”) and mishaps in my life, I’m beginning to learn it.
The pain is in the wrong place when:
…your wife feels wronged by you but won’t talk to you about it (and vice versa).
…a friend keeps the truth to themselves when they could share and heal the situation.
…students are required to buy a physical book when it could easily be delivered electronically, just because it’s what happened the previous 40 years and keeps someone employed.
…a supervisor punishes an entire team for the actions of one individual (see also Don’t Use a Shotgun).
…a small business owner who needs to grow (or hire or buy equipment) can’t because someone in government, who has never owned or operated a small business, decides the rules (insurance, taxes, business licenses, take your pick).
Having the pain in the right place is the key. If not, then make moves to get it there.
I’m not advocating that it takes pain to learn. However, if some form of learning “pain” isn’t where it should be, no one wins (or learns).
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