How does the need to prove keep you stuck?

Jul 25, 2025 4:01 pm

#383 – How does the need to prove keep you stuck?

Let's say you're right in a specific thing, and someone says you're wrong. What do you do?


Option A: I gather all the evidence, lay out my best arguments, come up with new analogies to make my point.


Option B: I say "ok" and move on. What others think of me or my ideas is NOT my business.


The Ghost of Need to Prove is, of course, behind Option A, and yesterday, I was this close to falling for it.


Months ago, I filed a complaint against a physician because I believed he'd treated me unethically. I had all the evidence––I was right!


But yesterday, the professional board let me know their opinion: I am wrong.


What? Wrong? Me? Who do they think they are?


For a few moments, I entertained the fantasy of continuing to fight––I have evidence. I will sue. I will go to the media... I will prove I'm right!


Then I saw myself carrying this thousand-pound blob tied to my ankle. Wherever I went, the blob would go with me. Living in Portugal, tending to my garden? It would be there. Slow-traveling through Europe? There!


So I untied the blob from my ankle and watched it float up, the physician curled up inside.


The Ghost of Need to Prove, 0. Me, 1. I'm free.


What rightness will you drop so you free yourself up?


Love,

Carolina

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