If you could pin someone down and ask them why they might behave badly, I bet you would get a wide range of answers. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately, so I turned the question on myself. What makes me behave, uh-hum, unfavorably?
My answers were not pretty, nor mature, nor rational. I was forced into realizations that were even a bit uncomfortable. I am 38 years old and it still puts me in a bad mood when it’s really humid and my hair won’t act right. I think nasty thoughts about my children if they eat all of my favorite potato chips before I have some. I even get irritated about going to church on Sunday mornings if I’ve not had all the coffee I’d like.
Now, since I’ve divulged all this about myself, I’d prefer not to hear another word about it. I’m working on these… and many others.
I do, however, have 3 tactics to share that keep me on my best-behavior toes.
1) I use the myAgenda like I use oxygen. Feeling like I’ve overlooked something or realizing I’m late for an appointment because I’d forgotten about it puts me on the fast track to irritation. This compact calendar offers space to keep up with even the smallest details. It’s Murphy’s Law that says when I’m at my desk, I need what’s in my car and vice versa. Just by having a one-stop-shop for everything from appointments to book titles to passwords lets my mind be free of the burden of trying to remember where that post-it note went. I highly recommend this as a way to keep your thoughts and commitments organized.
2) Finding time for myself nearly every single day gives me the time I need to keep my perspective. Often, when we run across someone who is “having a moment”, we think something like, ‘It’s just a red light. Your screaming and ranting is not going to make it change to green any faster. And, really, doesn’t a red light last only a minute or two?’ Perspective. It’s the magic potion for irrational reactions to everyday situations. Your own strategy for finding and keeping perspective may be a jog, hanging with your children or even reading a book. The secret is to figure out what works for you and do it.
3) I go outside. The fresh air, the sounds, the sights…aahhh. It’s a distraction, pure and simple. To walk outside is to take a break from all the visual reminders of things to do. After a few short minutes of Vitamin D, I’m revived with a new attitude. It is said the lack of Vitamin D contributes to Seasonal Affective Disorder in which people experience depression due to the lack of sunlight. Anais Nin, a French author, said “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Our state of mind makes a difference when it comes to behavior, so let a little light in!
Whatever your own tactics are, just be sure to use them with regularity. Why wouldn’t you use anything at your disposal to put your best foot forward? So, put a smile on your face and a skip in your step and, of course, be nice.
I do, however, have 3 tactics to share that keep me on my best-behavior toes.
1) I use the myAgenda like I use oxygen. Feeling like I’ve overlooked something or realizing I’m late for an appointment because I’d forgotten about it puts me on the fast track to irritation. This compact calendar offers space to keep up with even the smallest details. It’s Murphy’s Law that says when I’m at my desk, I need what’s in my car and vice versa. Just by having a one-stop-shop for everything from appointments to book titles to passwords lets my mind be free of the burden of trying to remember where that post-it note went. I highly recommend this as a way to keep your thoughts and commitments organized.
2) Finding time for myself nearly every single day gives me the time I need to keep my perspective. Often, when we run across someone who is “having a moment”, we think something like, ‘It’s just a red light. Your screaming and ranting is not going to make it change to green any faster. And, really, doesn’t a red light last only a minute or two?’ Perspective. It’s the magic potion for irrational reactions to everyday situations. Your own strategy for finding and keeping perspective may be a jog, hanging with your children or even reading a book. The secret is to figure out what works for you and do it.
3) I go outside. The fresh air, the sounds, the sights…aahhh. It’s a distraction, pure and simple. To walk outside is to take a break from all the visual reminders of things to do. After a few short minutes of Vitamin D, I’m revived with a new attitude. It is said the lack of Vitamin D contributes to Seasonal Affective Disorder in which people experience depression due to the lack of sunlight. Anais Nin, a French author, said “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Our state of mind makes a difference when it comes to behavior, so let a little light in!
Whatever your own tactics are, just be sure to use them with regularity. Why wouldn’t you use anything at your disposal to put your best foot forward? So, put a smile on your face and a skip in your step and, of course, be nice.
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