There is only one surefire way of winning an argument and that’s to avoid having one in the first place.
If you think back to any arguments you’ve had in the past, just ask yourself, how often did you actually change your point of view as a result of the argument?
I’d be willing to bet that the answer is “rarely” or “never”.
That’s because we all stick like glue to our beliefs and opinions and if someone challenges us or contradicts us, it’s a natural reaction to defend them.
Very often an argument only serves to deepen our conviction that we are right. So not only was the argument pointless, it had exactly the opposite effect because now we believe even more strongly in whatever it was we believed in the first place.
So if WE feel like that, it’s logical that everyone else on the planet feels exactly the same way. Making it a complete waste of time to start an argument with anyone. Ever.
Even if we think we’ve won an argument, it’s more than likely a hollow victory because, as Dale Carnegie writes in How To Win Friends And Influence People:
A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.
And that, I believe, is the key to winning an “argument”.
The other person has to come round to our way of thinking of their own free will.
Not getting into arguments is particularly important in business relationships and is something we are studying in my online marketing course.
My friend and business partner, Catherine, discuss this in the video below. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a successful online marketer, please complete the form on the top right of this page.
