Today I want to share some basic wisdom. Wisdom about living life at work and at home.
Our default is to believe that we are the hero of the story, and other people are villains. I mean any story. Interactions with co-workers and clients, family, and friends.
Here’s what the foolish person believes:
I’m a good person living in a bad company/society/family/marriage
When we share difficult situations with our loved ones, we paint ourselves as the good person, right? And the other people are the villains.
This leads to a series of misdiagnosed conclusions like:
- This school is so unfriendly I can’t fit it
- My company is terrible at culture stuff
- My family is full of flaws that I could (and do) elaborate on at length
- Our world is terrible and the government needs to do something about it
These are mistaken beliefs. The wise person says
I need to be the change that I want to see in the world
For my world to get better, I need to get better.
When is the last time that you:
- Tried to be a friend to a lonely person who needs one?
- Locked your attitude in at a 10 to build the best possible work environment?
- Focused on encouraging a family member who brings you down?
- Actively contributed to your neighborhood to make it a better place?
Here’s the truth:
For the world to get better, I need to get better
Say it out loud. Stop blaming others. Become part of the solution, not part of the problem.
That’s why everything improves when you decide to get better. Your effort lifts everyone around you too.
So, my suggestion this week is to look at your biggest irritant and ask yourself how you can become a solution finder. Leaders focus on fixing and building bridges, not on diagnosing problems.
Getting ahead is about getting started!
Trevor Throness is a speaker, consultant, and author of “The Power of People Skills.” He is also co-founder and senior instructor at professionalleadershipinstitute.com https://professionalleadershipinstitute.com/
Find more about “The Power of People Skills” here: https://www.amazon.com/Power-People-Skills-Dramatically-Performance/dp/1632651068
