The Art of Deflection

Are you a master deflector? Put down your defenses—perhaps unwittingly, many of us are.

Let’s do a quick self-check. What does deflecting look like? It can be as subtle as immediately—though silently—focusing on someone else’s flaws when we’re criticized or held to account. Or it can be as blatant as responding in a most hostile manner: “I may be dishonest, but you’re ugly,” for instance.

Deflecting is not a skill worth mastering because true growth and character development only happen when we’re willing to take an honest look at ourselves. If you’re wondering what sparked this reflection,  it was a recent study of the Pharisees.

The Pharisees - known for their hypocrisy, as they focused on outward behavior while avoiding self-examination - were experts at deflection. But alas, don’t be too quick to criticize them, for  many of us have more Pharisaic tendencies than we’d care to admit.

If you want to be the kind of person who is honest with yourself, aware of your flaws, and committed to personal growth, then rejecting deflection is essential. It starts with admitting that we don’t have all the answers and being willing to take a closer look at ourselves. When we embrace humility and accept constructive criticism, we create the foundation for growth and maturity.

Imagine how much stronger our relationships and communities could be if we committed to this kind of integrity. It may sound cliché, but the impact would be profound.