One thing I've learned is that everybody says they want honesty... right up until you ask them for some.
I've made changes over the years. I try to improve, learn new things, and be a better version of myself. But every once in a while I find myself wondering...
Am I making the right changes?
You ask people for feedback, and what do you get?
Crickets.
Apparently the loudest thing on earth is silence after asking, "So, what do you think?"
If you think I'm heading in the right direction, tell me. If there's something I could improve, tell me. Just don't wait until six months later and say, "Well... I've been meaning to mention..."
Well, thanks! That would've been useful back when gas was cheaper.
Now, let's be realistic. There are some things I'm willing to change. Maybe I can improve my attitude once in a while, learn a new skill, or stop buying another tool before I actually need it. (Who am I kidding? That's never happening.)
But if someone expects me to completely change who I am just to make them happy, that's usually where I start walking the other direction. I'm all for growing as a person. I'm not interested in becoming someone else.
I'm proud to be an American. I believe this country isn't perfect, but it's given generations of people opportunities to build a better life through hard work, freedom, and personal responsibility. Those are values I appreciate and want to preserve.
People come to America for many different reasons, and that's part of our history. My view is that if you've chosen America because you believe it's a better place to build your future, then it's worth appreciating what makes it different. We can all have different opinions, but if the same ideas didn't create the life you wanted somewhere else, it's fair to ask whether bringing those exact same ideas here is the answer.
At the end of the day, constructive feedback makes us better. Demanding that someone become a completely different person usually doesn't.
So here's my challenge to you.
If someone asks for your opinion, don't leave them hanging. Give them an honest answer—with a little kindness mixed in. You might help them more than you realize.
And if you ask me for feedback, don't worry... I'll probably tell you. Just don't be surprised if there's a joke attached to it.
Life's too short not to laugh while we're trying to improve.
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