Developing Usable Experiences

When is it best to say when?

October 23rd, 2007 10:28 pm —  161 views

Some things you just can’t win. Maybe you’re trying to convince somebody of something, or just trying to bring about a change in attitude, and no matter what you try you realize there is no way you’re going to break through their wall of obstinate conviction. Even if the situation is as clear as day, the other person might be in another dimension experiencing a monsoon. What do you do then?

You move on. And that can be really difficult. I don’t know what it is that makes me so tenacious but I recognize that what seems clear and obvious to me might seem totally foreign to someone else. Unfortunately, I find myself in this situation way more than I care to admit. I am certain that given the right attitude from all involved, that with enough focused discussion with lots of questions that dividing line will be discovered and the difference realized or someone’s mind will change.

I’ve had to change my mind many times. As of late I’m finding that for various reasons1 I’m reaching a point where I’m having to say “when” and let go of something even though I know that to give it up is to submit to a lesser position. I’m nowhere near the point of resolution but it is what is and I am duty bound, for various complicated reasons, to submit. But seriously, is that a way to live. Should I just accept things like that? When is it best to say when?

The art of seeing things as they are and recognizing when to say when takes open doors and an open mind. I can’t help but think that closed doors too often shield closed minds.

So maybe I have something on my mind that I can’t really talk about. Maybe it is a situation at school…maybe at work…maybe at home. Regardless of where the situation is that happens to be motivating this spill of characters, it is one I find myself in all too often. I’m still trying to figure out how much of it is me and how much of it is my inability to articulate things effectively. Maybe it isn’t me…but that would be too easy an answer. Surely I’m to blame.

Image: Just before dinner tonight the inside of our house was cast with this pink glow from outside. Looking out the clouds were reflecting the setting sun in a very dramatic way. I grab my trusty little camera and take a few pictures from my driveway. This is one of the better ones.

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  1. These reasons usually have to do with “authority” figures or not wanting to push things too far with someone you don’t want to challenge. [↩]

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Comments

2 Responses to “When is it best to say when?”

  1. Dawn on October 24th, 2007 9:22 am

    Seems like you’ve been having this argument with yourself ever since I’ve known you. Which, granted, isn’t that long ago. I think it’s a universal argument that most people (at least those open enough to consider change) have pretty regularly, and not something you should beat yourself up about. Just being aware is enough, being aware of other’s limitations, as well as your own. That will help you make your way in the world. It’s all good, even the struggle.

  2. mom on October 24th, 2007 10:28 am

    well…of course you’re to blame, my little punkin, heaven forbid that we all have the same attitudes, thoughts, ideas, “feelings”.

    hey…try knocking on that door of closed minds

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