Tip of the Week

Tip of the Week Archive

Be willing to receive correction.

A couple of weeks ago, I did a Tip about the Lone Ranger.  I talked about how much I admired the delicate balance he demonstrated between having an ego that was big enough to make him believe he could impact his world for good, yet having a heart of humility and compassion, which he displayed at the same time.  In the article, I mentioned the Lone Ranger's Indian side-kick, whose name was Tonto and his palomino horse, Scout.
 
After reading the Tip, a friend contacted me to let me know that Scout was, in fact, not a palomino, but rather a paint breed of horse instead.  I was told that I may have gotten Tonto's horse mixed up with Roy Roger's horse, Trigger, who actually was a palomino.  I went online and Googled Indian paint horses and boy, was I surprised at how wrong I had been!  I told my friend how much I appreciated his wisdom and insight in helping to straighten out my thinking.  Although I dislike being wrong, I certainly do love it when I find out what is right and get my information straight.
 
You may think that this is no big deal, and you are correct. That was an honest mistake.  However, being willing to accept correction is the heart of this Tip.  When you get your facts straight and your information right, it really does make everything better.  It causes other people to trust you more and it puts you in a position to learn to be more accurate in the future.  The challenge comes, when we are unwilling to receive correction.  No one really enjoys being corrected, but, there is so much value in it.  I do not believe it is wise to pass it up.
 
Now, I realize that it would be easier to receive if everyone could give correction in a discreet, uplifting, encouraging, and helpful manner.  But, you really can't control other people.  You cannot make them correct you in a way that is acceptable to you.  Nevertheless, I have found that it is much wiser to take the correction, regardless of how it is given.  It is better to focus on receiving the correction than on the way the other person gives it.  Whoever is willing to receive correction will attract more wisdom in his or her personal life. 
 
Proverbs 9:8 says, "Do not correct a mocker or he will hate you.  Correct a wise man and he will love you."  Isn't it interesting to note that in both cases, the words of correction are the same?  The only thing that is different is the response of the listener.  The wise person will be grateful for the correction, whereas a fool will simply demonstrate anger, bitterness and hatred toward the person doing the correcting.
 
I realize this is a touchy subject.  I have talked to people about it over the years and found that it is a major cause of hurt feelings and division.  That is very unfortunate.  We would all be much better off to simply respond to correction in a mature and professional manner.
 
One additional thought:  You also must realize that the other person is actually taking a chance when they try to correct you.  You will not meet many people who even care enough to try and help you become a better, more informed person.  Most people will not say anything because they don't care that much about your personal growth.  Therefore, it is in your best interest to just receive the correction.
 
I am glad that I now know that Tonto rode a paint horse by the name of Scout.  It may not be the most important information I possess, but, at least I have gotten it straight.  I am grateful for any correction I ever get because, in the end, it only makes me a better person. 
 
I hope you will open your eyes to this great truth and learn to receive any correction given.  You will become a better person for it!

This information is provided in congruence with Personality Insights USA.

Tip of the Week Archive