We are often predisposed to act defensively. When we’re criticized we often act to defend ourselves or deeply bury the resentment. When some service isn’t up to what we expected, we demand satisfaction or our money back. There’s another way to look it. What if we didn’t see the other person or people as out to get us or cheat us? What if we tried to act reasonably to reconcile a situation? I’ve discovered this works more often than not. It doesn’t mean one has to be a pushover, far from it. We can persist in a reasonable and calm way until we reach a satisfactory conclusion. Everything doesn’t have to be a battle. Every critic isn’t evil, if we listen we might learn and grow. Every thing we hear that challenges how we think about things isn’t wrong. If we listen we may gain new insights.
By Ray Calabrese
I am an optimistic, can do, and never quit guy. The spirit of hope indelibly marks my DNA. My research at The Ohio State University helped people discover the best in themselves and change their personal lives, public organizations, and whole communities. I bring the same spirit and enthusiasm to my blog to help those who grieve who find themselves suddenly alone, navigate their grieving. Join my more than 24,300Twitter (@alwaysgoodstuff). I promise my tweets are always good stuff. Please feel free to email me at ray.brese@gmail.com.
