It doesn’t happen often…

But there are times when one can be wrong, and totally mistaken about a situation or a crazy idea that enters our minds.

And?

As odd it is to think that one day you might actually find yourself in such a situation…

There are ways to properly handle it.

[via LifeHacker]One an idea enters our minds it can be difficult to let it go. Not only do we seek out evidence that supports our existing beliefs, rather than making an attempt at objectivity, but we will defend that information even if we know it’s incorrect. Scientific American points to a studythat demonstrated this phenomenon:

Psychologists asked college stu­dents to read an account of an ac­cident involving a busload of elderly passengers. The students were then told that, actually, those on the bus were not elderly. For some students, the information ended there. Others were told the bus had in fact been transporting a college hockey team. And still others were warned about what psychologists call the continued influence of misinformation-that people tend to have a hard time ig­noring what they first heard, even if they know it is wrong-and that they should be extra vigilant about getting the story straight.

The important thing to remember is this: when someone tells you that you are wrong, you need to override your defense instinct and consider what they are saying. While there will be many times in your life when you’ll be told that you’re wrong when you are, in fact, right, that won’t always be the case. When someone makes you feel defensive, this is one of the most important times to consider what they are saying. You don’t have to agree, and you might just discover that you really are correct after all, but being a little more self-aware can go a long way in avoiding a drawn-out, stubborn argument. [Read More]

While…

Continuing to drive, hell-bent, down the center media of the interstate?

Not one of those ways.

[WARNING: Cursing ahead!]

Being wrong?

Doesn’t have to be painful.

Suck it up, admit your mistakes…

Oh, and always wear a seat-belt.

You know, just in case.