Resolve Inner Conflict
Conflict is the root of every problem we face in life. Whether you’re struggling with your partner, upset about something that happened at work, or bummed out about plans getting canceled, you’re experiencing a conflict!
With all the sources of conflict in our lives, it’s surprising to learn that some of the most difficult conflicts we face come from within ourselves.
Inner conflict, or the conflicts we experience exclusively within ourselves, can be difficult to manage. When you’re struggling with internal problems and dilemmas, it’s tough to know how to resolve them. However, there are methods you can use to resolve inner conflict.
Method 1: Identify and label the two “poles” of your inner conflict.
A lot of inner conflict tends to have two polar opposites as options for the conflicted person to choose between. For example, a few inner conflicts with these opposite “poles” include:
- Staying in your marriage and trying to work things out vs. leaving the relationship
- Choosing whether to tell a big secret you promised to keep vs. staying quiet and keeping the secret
- Telling someone the truth about how you feel about them vs. keeping your thoughts to yourself
….and so on! While these situations seem fairly “cut and dry” between two choices, people experiencing deep inner conflict can struggle to clearly identify their main options. Alternatively, some folks get stuck on “this or that” thinking–this means they don’t see any way to appease both poles of their conflict.
Often, when a person slows down enough to recognize the main sides of their inner conflict, they can begin to draw other conclusions about ways they can go about resolving the problem.
Method 2: Get outside of your own mind when you’re experiencing inner conflict.
Psychology Today suggests talking to someone you trust when you’re experiencing tough inner conflicts. Just because the conflict originates from within yourself doesn’t mean you need to struggle with it alone.
Find a trusted friend, family member, or therapist with whom you can discuss the different aspects of your inner conflict. Often, hearing an outsider’s perspective of the situation you’re facing can help you get outside of your own thoughts. Inner conflicts can feel murky and confusing to navigate–often, an outsider’s perspective can bring clarity to the situation.
Method 3: Make a pros and cons list of the different options you have to resolve your inner conflict.
A lot of inner conflict rests on the crux of decision making. When you find yourself trapped between two different options when you’re trying to resolve an inner conflict, consider making a tried and true pros and cons list of your different options.
Taking time to physically write out the pros and cons of your options can help you organize your thoughts into a coherent and organized flow. Rather than jumping between different what-ifs, you can see each option weighed out carefully.
Method 4: Experiment with meditation to find clarity.
Inner conflict can make your mind feel like it’s racing–as you’re trying to determine which method is best for solving your problem, your thoughts can lump together like a big, tangled mess. If this sounds familiar, consider using some basic meditation strategies to re-center yourself.
During an inner conflict, close your eyes and practice some deep breathing exercises. Develop a mantra for bringing yourself back to reality and the present. Allow your slowed breathing to become a model for how you want your thoughts to flow.
Giving yourself a moment to relax, re-center, and refocus can help you see the different aspects of an inner conflict more clearly.
You may dance like no one’s watching, but everyone’s watching because you’re an amazing dancer!
Live your truth and enjoy every moment of your life!
Mac Done, President
www.6StarLimo.com
(224) 302-6202
Mac Donoe is the President and CEO of https://6StarLimo.com “6 Star Limo Services” mission is to offer our customers fast and easy access with unbeatable prices for limousine and bus chauffeured transportation services in Northeastern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin!.