Manage Your Interpretations
There are observable facts about other people’s behavior, and then there are your interpretations regarding those behaviors. Be careful of confusing the two.
Fact: You greet an acquaintance on the street and she ignores you. Interpretation: She is rude.
Fact: You see a man on the bus who is oblivious to his two small children running around being loud and obnoxious. Interpretation: He is an extremely bad parent.
Without more information, you cannot know the truth. You probably trust your interpretations. But, what if your acquaintance had a fight with her husband, was rushing to a meeting, and didn’t even hear you? What if the man on the bus was in shock? He just came from the hospital where he heard the devastating prognosis about his wife’s cancer. Instead of your initial interpretations which lead to anger and upset, choose different interpretations that lead to understanding and compassion.
Be open to the possibility that your first interpretations are not always accurate. Slow down and consider other options before choosing an interpretation. Whenever you have a choice, if one interpretation leads to upset, and another leads to peace, which would you rather experience? And, when possible, check it out.
Practice choosing interpretations that are both realistic and useful. Suspend your first reaction and consider alternatives. Your happiness (and your relationships) will improve dramatically.
Fact: You greet an acquaintance on the street and she ignores you. Interpretation: She is rude.
Fact: You see a man on the bus who is oblivious to his two small children running around being loud and obnoxious. Interpretation: He is an extremely bad parent.
Without more information, you cannot know the truth. You probably trust your interpretations. But, what if your acquaintance had a fight with her husband, was rushing to a meeting, and didn’t even hear you? What if the man on the bus was in shock? He just came from the hospital where he heard the devastating prognosis about his wife’s cancer. Instead of your initial interpretations which lead to anger and upset, choose different interpretations that lead to understanding and compassion.
Be open to the possibility that your first interpretations are not always accurate. Slow down and consider other options before choosing an interpretation. Whenever you have a choice, if one interpretation leads to upset, and another leads to peace, which would you rather experience? And, when possible, check it out.
Practice choosing interpretations that are both realistic and useful. Suspend your first reaction and consider alternatives. Your happiness (and your relationships) will improve dramatically.
Comment
O.M.G. IN ACTION
© 2010 Created by Jeff Swaim.
You need to be a member of Denver's Best Interactive & Digital Advertising Agency : MOOv to add comments!
Join Denver's Best Interactive & Digital Advertising Agency : MOOv