No one wants to talk about this because everyone does it.

We do it every day.

We do it to get along, fit in, and not make waves.

We do it so people like us.

We do it because we don't like hurting people's feelings.

We do it out of habit, often without even knowing it.

What is this thing?

We don't tell the truth.

Jordan Peterson's eighth rule in his book 12 Rules for Life is, "Tell the truth or at least don't lie."

This was the subject of my podcast episode last week titled "Become Invincible in Business."

ASK: Click through to the YouTube video and leave a comment about when avoiding the truth led you into trouble.

Telling the Truth

We don't tell the truth to our friends, spouses, colleagues, customers, and, worst of all, to ourselves.

...and I'm no different.

Every time I've found myself in a precarious, anxiety-riddled, stress-filled situation, it's because I haven't told the truth.

See, there's a difference between not telling the truth and lying.

Most of us don't lie.

But we all avoid the truth.

• That troublesome employee she'll change with time.
• He needs one more month, and he'll hit his sales numbers.
• I know what to do next.
• It doesn't bother me you don't acknowledge me when you walk into the house.
• Another half hour of video games isn't a big deal.

Our lives are busy and filled with many challenges. When we can avoid conflict, we do—by avoiding the truth.

Living in Reality

Dr Peterson describes that telling the truth is the only way to live in reality.

• The only chance that troublesome employees will change is if they know specifically what the problem is and your expectations.
• If he hasn't hit his numbers in the past, the likelihood of that changing is slim to none.
• Like everyone else, most of us do not know the next best thing to do, and the best way to fix that is to ask for help.
• If she doesn't know you want her attention, how does she know to give it to you?
• Video games are a distraction from life. You're trading real life for fake life every time you or your children play them.

This doesn't mean telling the truth will make your life easier; it won't.

But you will be trading short-term discomfort for potentially long-term happiness, growth, and satisfaction.

Avoiding the truth creates blindspots and ticking time bombs in our lives.

Kicking the can might make things easier today, but the problem doesn't disappear.

It sits there, festering.

You build up resentment for that employee, your spouse, and ultimately your own weakness.

My suggestion is to give telling the truth a try.

Make that conversation you've been avoiding a priority and tell the truth.

See what happens.

I bet things don't go as poorly as you imagined.

There's a good chance the person appreciates the honesty.

This is the way.
​
Hanley

p.s. for the full story, watch How to Become Invincible in Business and leave a comment with your thoughts and questions.

p.s.s if you prefer audio only, here is a link to the podcast.

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