I have a stubborn streak that I inherited from my father. I admit it. We’re both very strong-willed. But, being stubborn isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you’re stubborn for the right reasons. I’ve been known to dig my heels in for something that’s important to me, but I also know how to compromise.
Let’s take a look at the definition of stubborn. 1 – having or showing dogged determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so. 2 – difficult to move, remove, or cure.
Dogged determination is how I like to see myself. The definition of determination is: firmness of purpose; resoluteness. Doesn’t that sound so much more positive? And, in my case, it’s true. I’m not one to give up. I mean, I know when I’m beat, but it takes a very long time for me to consider myself beaten on certain things. I’m like the Energizer Bunny, I’ll just keep going and going and going.
For instance, when it comes to figuring something out, like a puzzle, riddle, technology, how to use my smart phone, I’ll clamp my bulldog jaw and work on that problem for hours and hours. Sometimes days even. I like to think of myself as the woman who can git er done, make it happen, declare victory over my non-human opponent.
On the other hand, in an arm wrestling or tug-of-war contest, I’ll admit defeat almost immediately and move on to something more worthy my time. And, I will rarely argue with someone just for the sake of arguing. I’ll either walk away KNOWING that I’m right, or admit defeat simply to end the conflict. Some things I really don’t care if I’m wrong about. Like whether the new refrigerator is slate or graphite in color. Is it really worth arguing about? Sure, I want to be right but in the grand scheme of things, who cares? I’ll concede, the refrigerator is graphite. (It’s really slate, but I’m willing to let someone else have the win on this one.)
How about you readers, are you stubborn or more inclined to be determined? Do you have the sticktuitiveness required to declare victory over someone or something? I love you either way. Because, unlike some people, I think being stubborn is a good quality. Within reason of course.
Word of the day: Xylbtomous
Fun fact about me: Sometimes my own stubbornness makes me crazy. Like when I can’t stop trying to figure something out. Give it a rest already girl, will ya.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, January 2019. Photos courtesy Pexels and Google Images.
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Since I’m normally right about everything, I actually owe it to the world to be stubborn. Okay – just kidding (sorta). I agree with you, Patricia, stubbornness is not necessarily a bad thing.
So far as Xylbtomous, there are probably a lot of people who would consider me boring, but it doesn’t have anything to do with making holes in wood. lol
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I appreciate your stubbornness Mr. Dave. I feel a strong kinship with you in that regard. However, if we should both insist on having our own way, then I probably won’t appreciate that quality quite so much.
As always, thanks for visiting. Have a wonderful week. I was traveling last week so it took me a bit to catch up.
Patricia
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Good morning, Patricia. We are a lot alike when it comes to staying with a problem until it is solved. Especially computer problems. I will spend hours on end googling and whatever it takes to solve it. You’re right, sticktuitiveness is not a bad thing.
But, I do not consider myself stubborn! I don’t care what you say, I’m not stubborn. People that say I’m stubborn are dumb, because I’m not, I’m sure of it. So don’t even try to tell me I am, because you’re wrong. I always consider the other person’s side, but it is never, never right. There’s no point in talking about this any further.
Have a nice day,
ypa
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I agree Al. Once you understand that I am right and you are wrong, the world is a much more joyous place.
Patricia
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P.S. Those stairs in the picture; I could handle those no sweat!
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Uh huh. Sure you could.
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Ah, it’s that “within reason” that makes all the difference, right? My brother is the stubborn one in our family, and often goes beyond anyone’s reason but his.
And I hope anything xylbtomous stays away from my new house! (Or the current one, for that matter.)
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Within reason is subjective. I’m sure all stubborn people think they are being reasonable right?
I hope anything xylbtomous stays away from all of your houses!
Patricia
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I can be stubborn, but not so much that I’d argue about it very long. I’ll walk away to avoid the argument, but rarely concede, although the other person might believe I have. 🙂 Both my husband and daughter are VERY stubborn and unwilling to concede an argument (my daughter totally should have been a lawyer), so let’s just say they butted heads. A lot. Still do. 🙂 Have a great week, and may you win all your important battles!
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You see, I really don’t like to argue so I’m inclined to just walk away as well, secure in my knowledge that I’m right and the other person is an idiot. I’m more of a behind the scenes stubborn kind of gal, the kind who sticks with something until it’s done rather than the in your face I’m right kind of gal.
Thanks for visiting. Sorry it took a bit to respond. I was traveling last week and couldn’t get to a computer.
Patricia
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