What to do after you’ve said something stupid
We’ve all done it. Said something stupid. The question then becomes, “Now what?”
Should I keep quiet and hope no one heard me? Should I change the subject? Should I leave the room? All are options.
I said something stupid a short while ago, but none of those options work for me. Why? I said it in writing. In this blog. I said that I know some famous people and suggested that they might one day appear here in writing. Why is that stupid? Because it suggests that famous people are more important than non-famous people. It implies that this blog will be cooler if recognizable names are associated with it–which is probably true, but beside the point. It suggests that fame is a worthy goal in itself. By saying it, I slid into the celebrity-crazed mindset that I find so misguided. Gosh, it’s easy to go there sometimes.
What I should have said, had I been more thoughtful (there’s a lesson there), is that I know some truly fine human beings–big thinkers, visionaries, entrepreneurs and leaders with solid perspectives, deeply held convictions and real successes who have inspired me. I admire them not only for what they’ve done but for who they are. Some of their names are well-known; others aren’t. Ironically, most of them don’t care much about that. They care about their work and they care about the way they do it because they know they’re teaching others. These are important people, famous or not.
Sometimes you get a second chance to correct something stupid you said. I stand corrected.
Categories: CultureAbout Susan Marshall
