One of the most visible proofs of who you are is seen in your behavior. It is a testament to who you are becoming, what’s important to you, whose you are, what you believe in and act upon, and a great deal more. It confirms you as well as your words.
‘You don’t need to prove anything to anyone!’? Really? “‘They’ can take you or leave you.” I do doubt. Even the most independent, self-sufficient of us needs confirmation at times. We independent types don’t like to admit this, but that doesn’t deny the truth. Why would anyone want this? If only 2, there are 2 very good reasons. 1. We aren’t infallible so we are prone to err. and 2. Feedback is a most effective method of not only confirming what we are saying/doing but it is also a source of a ‘different perspective’, an opportunity to improve.
For me the most salient argument was that by ‘allowing’ others to make comments I did find a different approach to my personal thinking outside the box. Quite honestly I really hate to waste time, energy, resources and giving others the opportunity to ‘assist’ often leads me to a quicker and more effective answer. Besides – ultimately, it is my decision. Whatever I do is my responsibility for all ramifications from my words and behavior. Whether I choose to accept, adapt, or deny others suggestions, I still bear the responsibility. Pointing fingers will never work because (fill in the blank) was my choice.
Others and ourself seeking proof is not an accusation against who we are. Proof is confirmation. If ‘success’ is our mindset then proving is merely a test. I try and treat it as a hypothesis test. By testing my hypothesis, regardless of its origination, I know all of the who/what/why/when’s of my decision. There is a terrific scripture (Proverbs 27:17) that talks about iron sharpening iron. This scripture was instrumental in a change in my mindset. Now, I look at proving in a different context: iron sharpening iron and testing a hypothesis.
When approaching a conundrum, problem, ‘prove it!’. etc. I try to test and see where there is common ground as well as a different approach to resolving (fill in the blank). You aren’t defending yourself, you don’t need to – you seek the best solution. That’s proving.
