3 WAYS TO MAKE PEACE WITH CONFLICT

Find it hard to face these difficult situations? Here are some ways to help yourself!

CONFLICT.

… Does it make you cringe just to think about it?

… Do you avoid it at all costs?

… Does it make your palms sweat and your heart beat faster?

For many of us, the answer is YES to all of the above. Especially when you’re in a face-to-face situation with another person.

We often find ourselves saying what we think the other person wants to hear, not sharing what we really think, feel, or believe — or shutting down completely — all in the name of avoiding conflict.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “that’s me!” That’s perfectly okay!

Because most people weren’t taught how to deal with conflict, defaulting to avoidance feels like the easiest strategy.

But what if we didn’t have to struggle through conflict?

How incredible would it feel to face conflict head-on

without the sweaty palms and racing heartbeat?

You CAN do it! There are only a few steps you need to follow…

Here’s the truth — we live in a world that constantly asks us to conform to the same opinions, desires, and beliefs. When we don’t conform and show up differently — as our exquisitely unique selves — conflict can arise.

BUT! Instead of viewing our differences as something to fight against…

What if we viewed our differences as a portal to knowing ourselves more deeply and seeing something in a new light?

That brings me to the first way to make peace with conflict…

#1 Celebrate Your Differences

We are each born exquisite. Differences are what make the world go round! If everyone was like you, it would be SO boring (trust me). It’s time to celebrate our differences.

When you meet someone with qualities, opinions, or beliefs that differ from yours, view it as your opportunity to learn something new about the world and yourself.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to AGREE with them. You just need to appreciate and respect where they’re coming from. 

Starting from a place of seeking understanding by recognizing your differences can help in deescalating that feeling of conflict.

#2 Be Your Own Authority

Let me share a simple mindset shift. Entrepreneur magazine wrote about a study published by the Journal of Neuroscience. It showed that some people are predisposed to control aversion like a teenager. 

Anyone who is control averse doesn’t like when others tell them what to do or what their decision should be. They are more likely, as you guessed it, to be an entrepreneur. 

I invite you to think like an entrepreneur. I am asking you to choose yourself and make yourself the authority. 

When you start recognizing those differences and become your own authority, you stop allowing others to make decisions FOR you.

Your experience is just as valid as others. But what makes you special should also free you from needing to conform to others’ believes for their benefit.

Embrace your desires, what lights your heart on fire, and you’ll discover extraordinary gifts you didn’t even know you had…

…And you’ll stop trying to change and control others to fit your agenda, which decreases the amount of conflict you might face.

#3 The Art of Two Way  Communication

When we share our personal experiences, we create a safe space and give permission for others to confront their fears & share likewise. 

Listening is one of the most important parts of communication. (Sometimes it’s better to be silent than to speak, right?)

And listening with the goal of understanding is even MORE important.

Often, conflicts blow out of proportion because we’re not really listening to each other, we’re just trying to push our opinions onto others.

But when we can stop and truly listen to each other, we both begin to understand and even learn something along the way.

When you can practice all three — celebrating differences, being your own authority, and mastering the art of two-way communication

— you can effectively kiss the dread of conflict goodbye!

And I’m not just talking about conflict between you and others…

…I’m talking about conflict within yourself too. For instance negative self-talk. When the voice in your head goes down a negative path it’s best to take a moment to shift that energy.

First, we must recognize that behavior for what it is – nonsense. It’s typically not true and something you would never verbalize to another person. Instead, take a deep long inhale followed by a long exhale. With your next inhale allow a positive thought or image to enter the forefront of your mind instead. Use this regularly and often. It will allow you to easily and swiftly shift into a very blissful state.

Start freeing yourself from the shackles of conflict — starting today!

I’m passionate about you expressing yourself in a way that brings freedom, flow, and most of all you living your finest life. If you need extra encouragement or more support on your journey, you can book a call with me to see if we’d be a good fit!