The last thing you want to do when someone cuts you off in traffic, doesn’t say thank you or doesn’t hold a door open for you, is to take it personally. Keep in mind that such behavior is not directed at you, it’s directed at the world.
I came across the following quote on Facebook that caused me to stop and think: “No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all.” In other words, how you treat others tells those around you who you really are.
I was in Lowe’s looking to purchase some fire starters to use in our fireplace. I had no idea where to look and Lowe’s is a very large store. Just then, a Lowe’s employee who seemed to be in a hurry, walked by. I said, “Excuse me, could you tell me where I could find the fire starters?” She said, “I think it’s aisle 28,” and kept walking. I then said, “See, some men do ask for directions.”
As I was walking toward my favorite casual restaurant, I couldn’t help but overhear one end of a cell phone conversation. A woman was speaking to a friend, and she was obviously frustrated because she was speaking loudly and directly.
There are times when we feel wronged or inconvenienced and want to tell somebody off or give them a piece of our mind because it would make us feel so good to do so. In reality, all you gain by such behavior is an enemy who is looking for a chance to get back at you and is actively telling others about how you made them feel—both of which make your life less happy and more difficult.
Author and human behavior expert, Tom Rath, was asked this question asked by Jenniffer Weigel in an article which was posted on chicagotribune.com. In other words, what can we do right now that will immediately improve how we feel about things?
David R. Henson made a post to his blog that that grabbed my attention, and I would like to share part of it with you. “Studies show that spending time counting our blessings, keeping a gratitude journal, or writing letters of thanksgiving to our family, friends and mentors is one of the most reliable ways to lift our mood and transform our outlook on life….
Helen Gurley Brown once said, “The only thing that separates successful people from those that aren’t is the willingness to work very, very hard.” In other words, successful people persist–they stay the course in pursuing their goals long after most other people have given up and quit.
My wife and I recently hosted a dinner party. Among the guests were four couples who didn’t know each other. As they arrived, we made sure we introduce them. When it was time to eat dinner, these four couples decided to sit at the same table and seemed to be enjoying each other’s company.
A few years ago, one of my daughters was experiencing a lot of stress as many parents of young children do. My sister-in-law saw that she really needed a break and offered to take the kids for a Saturday afternoon. It was right before Halloween, so she got all the supplies for a “spooky” treat making event.