Conflict

He who wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper. - (Edmund Burke)

This is a great reminder that "conflict" is a driving force for change in our lives. Without conflict we tend to accept the status qua. Conflict causes us to change old behaviors and strive for new ones. Conflict is not always "fun" but it is necessary. Without conflict there is no character. Without character there is no growth. I think proverbs says it best:

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - (Proverbs 27:17)

If you do not have someone in your life who "sharpens" you, then you are missing out on the benefits of conflict. 2 great ways to find someone who will push you to the next level are as follows:

- Find a mentor: look for someone at work or in your personal life who embodies the type of person you want to be. Respectfully ask them if they would be interested in taking on a mentor. If they say YES, than you need to be prepared for them to tell you what you are doing wrong and what you need to change. Take this information with an open mind and heart. Apply it in your life and you will surprised at the results. (If you get a NO keep trying to find a mentor until you get a YES.)

- Think about the people in your life who are "brutally honest." Cultivate those relationships and surround yourself with those people. CAUTION: Do not surround yourself with destroyers (non-supportive envious folk) they will only bring your down and de-moralize you. You want honest people who have your best interests in mind. There is a big difference between the two. Never seek conflict at the expense of your self esteem, it is never worth it.

So today go out and find that honest Friend or mentor and begin to seek a source of conflict in your life, that will push toward the ideal you.