Design Your Retirement Before It Designs You

Tolerance? But They Don’t Think Like Me!

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What Is Tolerance?

Tolerance is an important aspect of life. It helps us live together peacefully and harmoniously. The concept of living with tolerance is not new, it has ancient roots. The modern version of the word is derived from the Latin word tolerantia. The original meaning of the word is to endure, implying that you endure something you don’t like or disagree with. 

tolerance - the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with.
Example: "the tolerance of corruption"


What Is Not Tolerance

Accepting others’ beliefs, when they contradict our own beliefs is hard – this is where our true character is put to the test. Tolerance is not putting your opinions above those of others, even when you are convinced you’re right. Having an honest and constructive conversation with the other person can be beneficial for your own growth if done in a respectful and considerate way. The truth is born in dispute. Imposing our beliefs and views on others is not acceptable.


The Reality

We all would like to think that we are being tolerant, but are we? We know about the importance of it. But when it comes to actually do it many of us struggle. I am no different.

So, what can we do about this? There are a few steps and small changes that we can make to better understand those who disagree with us. This can bring positive growth and maybe even help us make more friends.


“Tolerance isn’t about not having beliefs. It’s about how your beliefs lead you to treat people who disagree with you.”
― Timothy Keller


Steps To Become More Tolerant

  • LISTEN to the other person open-mindedly, without jumping to conclusions.
  • Try to UNDERSTAND their point of view. Put yourself in their shoes, try to empathize with them, and understand their views and beliefs.
  • If you don’t understand their thinking or reasoning, ASK for an explanation. This will clear off any misunderstandings.
  • LEARN about other people and cultures. A big reason for intolerance is the fear of the unknown.
  • Try to understand why you find it difficult to ACCEPT the differences in views. It could be related to a bad experience in the past, a fear of the unknown, how the person has been raised, etc.
  • Try to accept that people are different and try to FIND SOMETHING POSITIVE about them. Very often we have more things in common with another person, than differences. What we focus on (similarities or differences) will be the base on which we would build our relationship.
  • Agree to disagree. We don’t have to think the same, but we have to RESPECT each other in order to move forward and live in harmony.
Jordan Peterson on Tolerance

If you cannot view the embedded video, you can view it directly on YouTube.

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I would love to hear from you. Please share your views and experience with regard to tolerance in the comments section below or if you’d like you can contact me directly.

Antonia Varbanova

Hi, I'm Antonia, and I help Gen Xers in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s design their retirement before it designs them through a 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. I focus on helping you prepare for 30+ years of retirement that's active, purposeful, and independent—not just survived, but truly lived. 🔍 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙞𝙩? Retirement preparation is an incredible opportunity to take stock, assess what really matters, and create a roadmap for the next 30 years filled with purpose, vitality, and fulfillment. Whether it's your health, social connections, sense of purpose, or lifestyle design, it's time to prepare intentionally for the longevity that lies ahead. 🧰 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚. After years of dedication to your career and building your nest egg, you've handled the financial piece. Now, let's prepare the rest: your health and mobility, your social community, your sense of purpose and identity, and what your ideal days will actually look like. Because money without a plan for how to live is just expensive uncertainty. 💡 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙩 30 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣. It's not about waiting until retirement arrives; it's about preparing now with intention. If you're ready to design a retirement worth living—one that keeps you active, connected, and independent—let's make it happen.

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