3. Instead of getting mad at someone, show gratitude. That’s a major switching of attitudes — actually a complete flip. And so this isn’t always easy to do. But I can promise you that it’s a great thing to do. If you get mad at your co-worker, for example, because of something he or she did … bite your tongue and don’t react in anger. Instead, take some deep breaths, calm down, and try to think of reasons you’re grateful for that person. Has that person done anything nice for you? Has that person ever done a good job? Find something, anything, even if it’s difficult. Focus on those things that make you grateful. It will slowly change your mood. And if you get in a good enough mood, show your gratitude to that person. It will improve your mood, your relationship, and help make things better. After showing gratitude, you can ask for a favor — can he please refrain from shredding your important documents in the future? And in the context of your gratitude, such a favor isn’t such a hard thing for the co-worker to grant.
I heard a very similar talk about reacting with gratitude to strangers. This situation describes at least an acquaintance. What about the guy that cuts you off driving down Silverado Ranch. Or the employee at Cafe Rio who got my order wrong for the third time in one day... Most of the time these are the times I've found my kids listening and repeating back my responses. "Stupid Drivers..." "How hard is it to . . . " It's changed my way of thinking (and the little ears listening) in the last couple weeks.
0 comments:
Post a Comment