Most of us think that our opinions really matter.

We spend a lot of time proving we’re right, others are wrong.

Because yes, our opinions are the best. Our opinions are the only way. Our opinions must be followed.

Here’s the sad truth though: 

Most of our opinions are totally irrelevant to reality.

Reality doesn’t care whether we understand the new government system. Reality doesn’t care whether we think it’s important to go to college or not.

Because who cares. They are just opinions. And opinions are just a fragment of what people feel or think. They aren’t (completely) facts.

So why bother?

It’s possible that we’re right about that new government system or that new invention or that new business venture our colleagues have been persuading us to try.

But it’s also possible that we’re wrong.

The easy part is getting lost inside our head. That’s normal anyway.

The hard part? It happens a lot of times.

Here’s a challenge: Catch yourself every time you insist your own opinions.

Maybe you’ll realize that they aren’t helpful.

Or maybe you’ll realize your opinions could be wrong.

Even worse, irrelevant.

And even if you think you’re right, who cares?

Paulo Coelho said,

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”