How would you identify when someone is rationalizing?
Consider a conversation that involves goals and results. In the conversation, if you hear one or more of the following words, know that you’re listening to someone who’s rationalizing. Here they go:
- I can’t;
- I’m too frustrated;
- I don’t have time;
- My situation is unique;
- I don’t have the tools and resources to help me;
- This won’t work because {put any reason here}!
We all do it time to time and mostly in our unaware mode. The key is to be aware of our such behavior and do something about it. Some tips:
- Change the lens: Look at the task/matter from different lenses. Ask yourself, “What would be the impact of completing it (or not completing it)?”
- Take ownership: Rationalization is a way to get out of owning up something. If you don’t have time, funds and resources it’s not your fault, isn’t it? Wrong. Take ownership and own the situation.
- Stay upbeat: Rationalizing means you’re not upbeat about doing something. Look at its positive side or you will never beat rationalization. Stay upbeat.
- Unearth the answer: Every question has an answer. For example, even “no answer” is an answer to a question, isn’t it? Ask yourself: Why you can’t? What’s in your way? Why you are frustrated and do something about it. Why don’t you have time? Can you start with just 10 minutes a day? Can you eliminate which is not important to give time to this task? Etc. Find the answer and be the cause; not an effect.
- Focus on the goal: Your goal will be your inspiration. The chief “reason” for doing it. Visualize it, affirm it, write it and act upon.
- Report it to someone: Find a colleague, a friend or a family member whom you would like to report to. If you have to report it to someone, you will more likely do it.
- If you still want to rationalize and you are CLEAR about it do it nonetheless!
Rationalization is an attempt to explain or justify (behavior or an attitude) with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate. It is wise to stay away from it, isn’t it?
