The Know It All

I was exercising in a hotel health club, lifting weights after a very sweaty bike ride. I have only recently returned to this exercise process since the new year, and am being careful to take it slow. The previous evenings when I was in the health club I was the only one there. Tonight there was a young man also lifting weights. He was obviously very well versed in the process and in exercise, and he had a hard time containing himself.

As I began lifting, he watched me then asked if he could offer some advice. When I told him I was just getting started and had a plan I was following, he proceeded to tell me how to do it for a better result and a more impactful workout. I again repeated that I was only just getting started, and he again told me a more powerful way to workout. I smiled, kept my mouth shut and continued. He persisted, stopped what he was doing and proceeded to give me even more advice on what to do. I repeated that I was just getting started and was taking it slow. He then told me all about how to do it right and why.

I could tell he was disgusted with me in a superior sort of way; he knew I was wrong and could not help but tell me so in more ways than I wanted. In that moment I remembered why most people do not like health clubs. It is hard to start as a beginner without being judged or told you are wrong. It’s hard enough to huff and puff in a public place, sweat like a pig, AND stay motivated as younger, thinner, and more capable people work around you. I only have one more day at the hotel, which is a relief. I can next work out in the privacy of my own space with no one to give me unwanted advice.

As I walked back to my hotel room, I thought about what I just experienced. I realized the Know it All can’t help but give advice, even if you do not want or ask for it. Their superior self feels the need to prove themselves by telling other people what to do, and of course they are ALWAYS right. Knowledge is a powerful thing and can change everything; however it will only change things when the audience is ready and willing to receive it. The message may indeed be what people need to know, but the messenger may be what is preventing the message from being received.

I then thought about all the times I may have been perceived as a Know it All, simply because I let my enthusiasm for the topic outwit my tongue. My passion could no be curtailed by wisdom or humility, so my mouth ran beyond the borders of good manners. I’m sure I offended and was perceived as rude by those in the path of my words. I hoped that those around me gave me a break, just like I gave the health club Know it All a break.

Next time I feel the urge to speak on a topic without being given permission or asked for my knowledge, I will remember tonight’s weight lifting experience. I will pause long and hard, and think at least once or twice more before I open my mouth. No one likes a Know it All no matter how badly they need the information.