How to Better Manage Conflict

Dealing with conflict comes down to the way we perceive events and circumstances. Often we convince ourselves that the way we feel or see a situation is the truth. We have spoken in previous weeks how wonderfully unique each and every one of us is, and with that comes a unique perspective and set of beliefs. The rules of life are simple, we can take whatever we want as long as we don't hinder or deny anybody else’s ability to do so. The same can be said with conflict. We have endless permission to have an opinion or perspective on a matter and we are entitled to do so. However, in having our opinion, we must be sure to not take away another person permission to have theirs. 

When responding rather than reacting, we are doing so with a completely different set of emotions. We are approaching the situation with positivity, with an open mind, and most importantly, we are showing up with objectivity and a mutual outcome at the forefront of our mind. Doing so not only gives us a mutually beneficial outcome, it does so a lot quicker than if we were to choose to react. 

Relating this to our own lives is such an important step. When we are in a position in which another party, perhaps our partner, has a different view, preference or outcome in mind we can take a step back and disassociate from the emotions. We can take slow, deep breaths into our belly and we can enter the conflict with a calm, dynamic and powerful mindset in the search for an outcome that is going to not only please both parties but make each party feel equally as valued.