06/01/2026
NEVER WRESTLE WITH A PIG
( An excerpt from The Power of Positive Habits, Habit #90 by Jon Gordon )
Country wisdom teaches, “Never wrestle with a pig. You’ll both get dirty and the pig likes it.”
There are many who like to get dirty. They want to bait you and get you to jump into the mud with them. The guy who cuts you off on the road and gives you the finger or pulls up next to you and wants to race. The coworker who knows exactly what to say to get you to argue with them. The rude person on the plane. The family member who always picks a fight with you. The neighbor who doesn’t like you and whom no one likes. The person who’s having a bad day and is taking it out on everyone, including you.
Unfortunately, there have been moments in my past when I wrestled with the pig and got dirty. I regret those moments. I wish I could go back and do things differently. I didn’t like myself for getting in the mud. I let the situation get the best of me and that’s why I’m sharing this. You’ll never regret walking away from the pig. You’ll only regret getting in the mud with them.
Don’t wrestle with the pig! It’s not in your best interest to do this and you risk hurting yourself. Don’t waste your time and energy. It’s not worth it; you have better things to do. It’s not your job to right their wrong. Don’t get into the mud and get dirty. Don’t let the person or moment get the best of you.
Rise above it. Walk away from the pig. The moment will pass. The anger will subside. You’ll feel better and walk away clean.
