‘Yielding’ in the context of interpersonal situations and relationships (whether social, familial, or professional) is a notion that is VASTLY misunderstood. Thing is, it is more than just a behavioural response. When acted upon habitually, it is a principle that I honestly believe cultivates and builds inner character and strength. I’ll explain over these 2 posts but first, let’s start with the masses…
The common mis-associations people have with ‘yielding’ usually lies in one of the following shades:
- Weakness
- Powerlessness
- Somewhat of a ‘feminine’ quality
- Non-assertive
- Submissive
…and a whole barrage of these other negative connotations…won’t you agree? Type ‘yield’ into an online dictionary or look it up in the Oxford Dictionary and see what you get.
Thing is, when we look around at our social conditioning, I believe the concept of ‘individualism’ (amongst many other factors), is part of its cause. Many people seem to think being an individual is all about:
- Being able to formulate your own ‘opinions’
- Being able to show assertive character
- Being proactive
- Being confident
..etc etc. And you know what? They are not wrong! However, despite these notions being generally agreed, it gets pretty interesting when you see the same concept being applied by different people! So based on that, then it is nothing more than a degree of understanding and the perception held by an individual at that point in time.
Opinions are not borne out of a textbook, the media or someone else’s experience. Assertive behaviour, proactivity and confidence does NOT EQUATE to having to FEEL like one must display some sort dominant presence.
The obsession with carrying a facade of these qualities usually results in creating exactly what you don’t want! For example, many people long to be recognised, and respected… but often can’t be stuffed to lift finger to earn it. What happens instead? You can fall into your own claustrophobic trap of Inaction by breathing WAY too much hot air! Luckily, all can be reversed the moment you make up your mind. =)
Speak in the next post!