Breaking Chains: Overcoming personal barriers through conflict resolution
If I feel my boundaries are being crossed, my opinions are being disregarded, or my instincts are telling me something different, I will respectfully push back and advocate for my position.
Over the years, and across various environments, I believe I’ve earned a reputation as someone who isn’t necessarily easy to deal with. I may come across as a pleasant individual, but I can also be challenging at times.
Reflecting on my past, I understand how this perception has formed. Although I recognize areas where I could have been more collaborative or even more agreeable, I firmly believe that the path to self-discovery and the ongoing journey of self-awareness (as a friend recently pointed out), is paved with the ability to say ‘No’ frequently, to push back when necessary, to confront others when your moral compass is stirred, and to actively manage conflict.
Just to clarify, it wasn’t always this way. In the past, I found myself on the other end of the spectrum, often playing the role of a people pleaser. This strategy of agreeing to avoid conflict, struggling to say no, and seeking validation and approval from others was a short-term solution. However, it led to an internal struggle, creating a parallel narrative of disharmony, unhappiness, and low self-respect.
