There are times to shut up

There are times to shut up

“A man should never miss an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.” ― David Eddings, The Treasured One

Knowing when to open your mouth and when to keep it shut is valuable wisdom.

We all sometimes don’t speak up when we should, and do speak when we shouldn’t. But successful people do a lot less of this and know the value, particularly, of keeping quiet. Here are a few examples of instances in which you would be better off not saying anything.

When you want to correct someone: Particularly when that someone is a boss or a superior. Everyone speaks with the conviction that they are correct. Most believe, especially while talking to your subordinates, that they are spilling out words that are of biblical import. Even if it is crystal clear that what is being said is nonsense, it may be best not to say so, at least while he is all pumped up with self-importance.

When you set yourself giant goals. It is often a common belief that the more people know of your goals, the closer you are to your goal. This has been proven time and again as a total mistake. For reasons more than one. If you do not follow-up, you will be noted as a flaky. If you sleep on it there is a good chance that the listener will take ownership of your brilliant idea. If you fail, some people are not polite enough to hide the smirks.

When you hold a friends secret. C’mon guys, men gossip too. There is the trusted friend opening his heart on what happened on the night he was on the business trip to Bombay. If you couldn’t help wishing, dreadfully so, that you were in his shoes on that night, you better keep your mouth shut, every time you remember him. There is a good chance it might get back to the person you’re slandering, source and all. You really don’t want a friend who is out to break your bones, do you?

When the deal isn’t quite done: Look to that old adage about counting your chickens before they’re hatched. If you’re making a deal of some kind, never announce it until everyone has signed on every dotted line and everything is airtight. You’ll feel stupid if things fall through. Well ultimately it is about not looking idiotic if it fails.

When you’re mad: When someone annoys you, don’t respond right away, as you are likely to blow up and/or say something you will regret. And you can’t take it back. Even if you apologize, people do not forget. You’re weak when you’re angry. Don’t act in a moment of weakness. Even if they’re wrong and you’re right, you won’t come out of it looking good.

When you’re drunk: It’s really hard to keep your mouth shut when you’re drunk. But alcohol lowers inhibitions and you’re far more likely to say something inappropriate when inebriated. I once told someone she was “really annoying,” after a shot too many. Though undrunk and pretty much still agree to that, I am forced to repent for it every night at dinner. If you are able to keep quiet after a few, do so. Or cut yourself off before you get to the point of brutal honesty. And if it’s an office party use the two drink limit rule.

There are a few other times when silence is truly golden. Like when you want to show the crowd that you know quite a bit, when you want to complain about everything, to cover the fact that you failed. There are even the polite chats to fill up the silence.

Shut up and the world will respect you for it !!!