Mr. Right

I always think I’m right.  There.  I said it.  I should make clear that I don’t think I’m always right.  But I always think that I am right.  This may seem like a distinction without a difference.  But I do not see it as such.

When I say that I always think I’m right, what I mean is that given any individual act, I am confident in that moment that I am acting in the “correct” way.  This differs from thinking that one is always right  To think that one is always right is to assume generally that all that one does or thinks is correct.  I do not think this.  I know that I have erred before, am likely doing something in error at this current moment, and will err in the future.  So, no, I don’t think that I am always right.  But I do always think that I am right.

How could that be?  Simple.  Before taking a particular action, I think, “What is it that I’m trying to accomplish here?”  Then I think, “What are the best steps I can think of that will allow me to accomplish it?”  Then I act.

Let me offer an example: folding laundry.  I fold my laundry in a very particular way.  Many of you might look at how I fold my laundry and think, “Goodness me, Kazzy!  You’re doing that all wrong!”  But I’m not.  Or, more precisely, I think that I am doing it right.  I think this for two reasons: the way in which I fold laundry accomplishes the unique goal I pursue when embarking on the act of folding laundry AND it accomplishes this goal in the best way I can identify.  See, for me, the most important thing about folding laundry is neat and orderly drawers that allow me to quickly find what I’m looking for.  I value this above all other possible goals of folded laundry.  And my method allows for very neat and very orderly drawers.  The neatest and most orderly drawers I know how to make.

So… I think I am folding my laundry right.

Now, before you dismiss me as some arrogant twit, let me say this: you too should think you are always right!  Why?  Well, consider the alternative… thinking you are wrong!  And let me ask… how much sense does it make to do something that you think is wrong?  If you are doing something and think you are doing it wrong, stop!  STOP RIGHT NOW!  THIS INSTANT!!!

It is important to note that always thinking one is right does not necessarily mean that one will always be right.  This should not be forgotten.  Were I too stumble upon a fellow laundry folder similarly focused on neat and orderly drawers and saw him folding in a manner that resulted in neater and more orderly drawers than my method, I’d be foolish to refuse to adjust my ways.  For if I did not, I would be doing something I knew to be wrong.  And such foolishness should be avoided!

It is also important to remember that not all people have the same goals.  Your primary focus when folding laundry may be speed.  If so, my method surely would not be right for you; it is painstakingly slow at times.  In this case, you ought to identify the fastest way you can fold laundry and follow suit.  See?  You, too, can be right!

But what of competing goals?  I could probably make my drawers even neater and more organized if I insisted on buying all my clothes from the same store in the same style; this would ensure near-perfection in how they stack and fit together in my drawer.  Ahhh… but I also value variety in my wardrobe.  Above and beyond a neat and orderly drawer.  So, I buy the clothes that will add the proper variety to my wardrobe and accept the limitations this places on my ability to achieve the neatest and most orderly drawers possible.  And further still, I value maintaining a budget above both of these, meaning my desire to vary my wardrobe is limited by the funds I am willing to advocate for clothing.  And all of this is perfectly logically consistent and… right.

So… I always think I am right.  And you should, too.

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What I am really advocating here is acting purposefully.  Each decision you make should take you closer to the goals you have outlined for yourself.  Which also means you should take the time to identify goals, both large and small. Weather you are folding laundry or plotting your career path, determine what is most important to you and what path is going to help you best achieve that.  You probably will misstep… lord knows I have.. and your goals may shift requiring your acts to shift.  But you should always think you’re right.  And you certainly should never do something you think is wrong.  That just ain’t right.