For five years, my English teachers drilled MLA format into me. According to them, it was the “standard” by which the world was using and the only way we should cite our work.

Red ink (or green ink) was scratched all over my garbage essays every time I failed to adhere to the rigid standards of this format.

A college diploma and three degrees later… I haven’t used it since high school. Yes, that also includes taking many English courses at the undergraduate level. Every professor wanted something different.

Adaptability was the better lesson, but some people hold tight to their comfort zone and their myths.

They go on crusades for benign ideas such as “must know MLA format,” or “toilet paper must be in the over position.” In those instances, the best recourse is to smile, listen patiently and walk away. There is no puncturing through that veil in the same way straight facts cannot persuade the most ardent smoker.

The American Revolution wasn’t one by winning every battle. They revolutionaries knew enough that attrition would be the victor and all that was needed were a few key wins to boost morale. In essence, they only picked the fights they knew were worth winning.

Consider what is really valued and then pick the battles that will lead you to delivering on it.

You don’t have to die on every mountain.