Years ago, I was watching an interview with comedian Craig Ferguson. He made a funny joke that also proved to be remarkably insightful:
“There are three things you must always ask yourself before you say anything,” Ferguson said.
- Does this need to be said?
- Does this need to be said by me?
- Does this need to be said by me, now?
Ferguson quipped that it took him three marriages to learn this lesson.
All jokes aside, I use this rule every day, and it’s saved my marriage, my business, and my relationships more times than I can count.
