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Why We Sometimes Feel Good When Told We're Doing Something Wrong

Why Being Corrected Can Make Us Feel Good

By Elizabeth FigueroaPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
Photo by Kristin Brown on Unsplash

Have you ever been caught doing something you know you shouldn't be doing, only to feel a rush of excitement when you're caught?

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Every one of us has been there. You're sneaking an extra slice of pizza when your mother walks in and says, "You know that's not good for you, right?" Instead of feeling guilty, you feel elated. But why is that the case?

Why do we feel good when we are told we are doing something wrong?

As a professional sleeper (and as someone who has been told off numerous times), I embarked on a quest to discover the truth.

First and foremost, let's discuss our inner rebel. We all have that inner voice that says, "I know I shouldn't, but I'm going to do it anyway," and when someone catches us and scolds us, it gives us a rush.

We appear to be getting away with something when, in fact, we are not. It's the rush of defying the rules and feeling like a rebel, even if only for a few seconds.

Second, being corrected can provide us with a sense of approval. Someone cares when they take the time to tell us we're doing something wrong. They want us to improve, which is a compliment in a way.

It demonstrates that we matter to them and that they want us to succeed.

Not to mention our ego. When we are told we are doing something incorrectly, it can feel personal. But it feels like a pat on the back when we overcome that correction and learn from our mistakes. It boosts our confidence and makes us feel as if we've won.

Remember that the next time you feel good after being told off, it's just your inner rebel, ego, and validation looking for a little thrill. And who knows, maybe the next time you'll reconsider that extra slice of pizza (or not, because who are we kidding? Pizza is life).

Next time you're told you're doing something incorrectly, accept it. Accept the thrill of being corrected and capitalize on it. Remember, as a wise man once said, "you can't fix what you don't acknowledge." So, take those corrections with a grain of salt, and remember to enjoy the ride.

But wait a minute, our affection for correction isn't limited to our personal lives. It also extends to our professional lives.

Have you ever made a mistake at work and been chastised by your boss, only to feel energized and motivated to do better the next time? This is due to the fact that being corrected at work can lead to growth and improvement.

Take a look at it.

You wouldn't be able to learn and grow if you never made a mistake. Correction shows us the way to success. It assists us in identifying areas for improvement and provides us with the opportunity to correct them. And when we overcome those obstacles, it's as if we've earned a badge of honor.

It demonstrates our dedication and commitment to our work, as well as our willingness to go the extra mile to be the best.

However, it should be noted that not all correction is created equal. Constructive criticism, or criticism that aims to help us improve, is beneficial.

Negative criticism, on the other hand, that seeks to tear us down, is not. It's critical to be able to tell the difference and focus on the positive.

So, what makes us feel good when we're told we're doing something wrong? It is because correction allows us to learn, grow, and improve. It validates us, gives us confidence, and allows us to embrace our inner rebel. Not to mention how thrilling it is!

"But wait, doesn't being corrected make us feel bad?" you may ask.

The answer is, yes, it does. However, keep in mind that feeling bad is a normal part of the learning process. We make errors in order to learn from them. And when we are corrected, we have the opportunity to transform our mistakes into something positive.

Don't be alarmed the next time you're told you're doing something wrong. Accept it and run with it. Make the most of the opportunity to learn and grow.

Also, keep in mind that correction is a valuable tool in our pursuit of success, both personally and professionally. So, let's go make some mistakes! The rush of being told you're doing something incorrectly is just around the corner.

And it's not just in our personal and professional lives that we can benefit from correction. Correction can also help society as a whole.

Consider a world in which everyone was flawless. Where everyone always made the correct decisions and never made mistakes. Sounds dull, doesn't it?

Correction contributes to the dynamic and evolving nature of society. It enables us to learn from our mistakes and make positive changes.

Correction, however, is not limited to individuals and society. It is also applicable to organizations and systems. Correcting an institution or system can result in positive change and improvement.

It can aid in the resolution of any problems or inequalities, resulting in a more just and equitable society.

Some of you may be thinking, "But correction can be unpleasant; isn't it better to avoid it altogether?" The answer is no.

Avoiding correction is analogous to burying one's head in the sand and ignoring reality. Correction assists us in identifying and improving our flaws. It enables us to develop as individuals and as a society.

So, what makes us feel good when we're told we're doing something wrong? Because it allows us to learn, grow, and improve.

It contributes to society's dynamic and evolving nature. Not to mention how exciting it can be to channel our inner rebel and challenge the status quo.

Finally, don't be afraid to confront someone who tells you that you're doing something wrong. Accept it and run with it. Use it to learn, grow, and improve.

Also, keep in mind that correction is a valuable tool in our quest for a better world. So, don't be afraid to question the status quo and effect positive change. The rush of being told you're doing something incorrectly is only the beginning.

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About the Creator

Elizabeth Figueroa

Poetry is my jam but I'll write just about anything

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