There are words that when heard or mentioned, there's certainly an understanding that comes to mind. Maybe because that's what they mean, and rightly so. Perceiving or interpreting them in that way is not unexpected. But then, in some cases or instances, what they could mean in a conversation or so could be quite different from what they actually mean, presenting a different perspective on such words.
This is of course not common because words have their meanings and are used and interpreted in that sense. No one with understanding needs to be told what stubbornness means. The meaning is clear, and in what sense it's basically considered and interpreted. But can stubbornness mean otherwise, can it be warranted? Is there a positive side to it that isn't usually seen or considered because of its obvious meaning and understanding?
We can be positively determined to do something that no amount of discouragement, directly or indirectly will stop us. Whether it's people, close ones and all discouraging us or the system and a lack of resources and opportunities. Whatever the case, when you decide to push on, even when advised not to, or even restricted, but going on because you believe it will work out and are willing to keep on pressing towards that, putting in the needed work.
Stubbornness in this sense can be said to be a strength. What makes it so is that there's something good the person is pursuing and isn't willing to give it up. It's stubbornness in a way because they refuse to listen to every “advice” and discouraging words shrouded in it, but keep pushing on toward the goal. Being stubborn in this way means having resilience and being unwilling to give in and give up on a dream, goal, effort, and pursuit.
Well, I could be said to have been stubborn in such a way. Not everything I've done or achieved has been a welcome idea. Not all have been an easy path. Some people might not understand it, so they tend to belittle or interpret it wrongly. The good and right things we stand for can be taken in the wrong sense or completely not understood. To prevail, that stubbornness is needed, and it has made us “stubborn” in some cases.
However, there's a thin line that can't be denied or ignored. In many cases, stubbornness isn't warranted and it's a problem. It's what we know as stubbornness. While we try to shut our ears to those discouragements and do the needful, we often develop a sense of ego that destroys us in the process. When we become people who refuse to listen to anyone and always do what we want to do, then it's problematic. That itself isn't just being stubborn, but prideful.
While not all advise are meant to help, some certainly help. When a person ignores any form of advice, especially using “good” stubbornness as an excuse, it is destructive. It's driven by pride in some cases, just wanting to do our thing or not listening. I've gone that route too. Sometimes, it could basically be rejecting a guideline or instruction meant to help. That's true. Whether stubbornness is called for or uncalled for in a situation, it should be well examined.
Image is AI generated.
