Never burn the bridges you’ve built
I’m a big believer in not burning bridges.
I keep everyone on-side, even if I disagree with what they do or how they do things, because, at the end of the day, we’re all our own individuals with our own outlook on life. And if someone feels a certain way, they feel a certain way. There’s not always a lot we can do to change that.
So, it makes sense to continuously build bridges. Some bridges may be a waste of time, others may not. You’ll never know until you’ve started construction.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t leave a bridge behind. That doesn’t mean all bridges have to remain open and in-sight at all times.
You see, some bridges are only 50% complete. One person has done the majority of the work while the other has stood idle, only putting in a small amount of effort when it suits them. So, when you look up, peering in to the distance, you see a dark figure staring back.
You’ve worked hard to get to this point, to build your half of the bridge.
Except, that figure hasn’t met you in the middle.
Instead, you’re left with more work to do, more of the bridge to build.
Some people get angry at this point. Angry at the figure, angry at themselves, angry at the world. These people burn the bridge, undo all of their work.
Stop. Breathe. Think.
Turn around, and walk away. Leave your work intact.
You’ve fulfilled your side of the bargain, you need do no more.
There are other bridges to work on.