The Hidden Cost of Always Being Right
Have you ever sat through a talk, presentation, or meeting and found yourself silently disagreeing with almost everything being said?
You’re not being rude—you’re just critically engaged. Internally questioning every point. Picking it apart. In your mind, you’re thinking, “That doesn’t make sense,” “That’s not how I would do it,” or “That logic is flawed.”
But then the session ends, and you leave.
And here’s the question: What did you actually take away?
That moment right there has been sitting with me. Because I realized something:
It’s possible to be so caught up in criticizing that you leave with absolutely nothing.
And that’s the real loss.
The Difference Between Criticism and Curiosity
Now don’t get me wrong—critical thinking is important. Necessary even. But when it’s not balanced with curiosity, it becomes limiting.
The deeper question isn’t just “Do I agree with this?”
It’s:
“Why do they think this way?”
“Where are they coming from?”
“What am I missing?”
“What can I learn—even if I don’t fully agree?”
When you enter a space only to analyze, only to critique, you unintentionally close yourself off. But when you show up with both a discerning mind and a curious heart, your posture changes. You're no longer trying to prove someone wrong—you’re seeking understanding.
Even if 90% of what’s being said doesn’t apply to you, the remaining 10% might just be what you needed.
You Don’t Know It All (and That’s Okay)
This mindset shows up beyond presentations. It shows up in new jobs. New teams. New leadership. Even in friendships.
We often step into new spaces with the “I know better” mentality. And sometimes, we do know better—in some areas. But what we forget is that every person you meet, every system you're exposed to, holds knowledge you don’t have.
And if you’re always determined to prove you're the smartest person in the room, you’ll walk out of many rooms with empty hands.
There is wisdom in asking why before deciding that’s wrong.
There is growth in listening—even if just to understand, not to agree.
Balance is less about perfection, more about alignment.”
“Sometimes balance is simply knowing when to pause.
God Places us in places to Learn
I genuinely believe that God is intentional about where He places us. Every season, every conversation, every uncomfortable environment—they’re all opportunities to learn.
You pick up skills you didn’t even know you needed:
How to lead by watching someone lead poorly.
How to communicate by listening to someone who communicates differently.
How to stay humble by being around people who challenge your thinking.
So, imagine reaching the end of a season and realizing you didn’t grow because you thought you had nothing to learn.
That would be your loss.
That’s the hidden cost of always being right.
So Next Time…
The next time you're tempted to shut down someone mid-sentence mentally, pause. And ask yourself:
Why do I think I’m right?
What might they know that I don’t?
What could God be trying to teach me here?
And then—listen.
With curiosity. With humility.
Because it’s not always about being right.
Sometimes, it’s about being open.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
— Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)
You can’t receive wisdom if you’re not willing to understand where others are coming from. And sometimes, understanding begins with quieting the need to be “right.”