“Sometimes not taking action is the best action we can take.”
Coming from me (an action oriented person) the above quote was hard to write – LOL.
Everyone makes mistakes – that’s a fact.
Some times they are just bad decisions from lack of experience, other times they are just choices that weren’t well thought out. Knowing when to help others when they make poor decisions is important – be careful and prudent before deciding to help others.
Going through some notes from a 3 day workshop I attended in New York in 2001 a segment caught my attention.
- Every moment is an opportunity to make a different choice
- Choices creates consequences / outcomes
- Everyone needs to experience the consequences / outcomes of their own decisions
- We shouldn’t try to protect them
After that segment of notes I wrote “Ouch!” Because I have so often tried to help people when it might have been enabling them. Even things done with the best of intentions and with Love can sometimes not serve others.
In our personal lives AND in our businesses the concept above is a valid one.
I am now more aware that you can give empathy without “rescuing” others. In fact the primary way people progress is through experiencing the consequences of their choices/actions. If someone at work isn’t really doing their job well, we don’t do them a favor by covering for them. If someone in our personal life gets themselves in a bind it is the same.
My course of action now (when I am aware) is…
1. If the choice someone made is insignificant and won’t lead to possible greater consequences – I ignore it.
2. If the choice made is significant or could possibly lead to greater consequences I will ask the person if they would like my perspective on it and some advice.
- If they say no I leave it alone (unless it is business related and as their boss I need to address the issue)
- If they say yes I will share my best advice based on the knowledge or the life experience I have.
3. If the choice could have severe consequences I will give them my advice in a loving yet firm way explaining why I believe it is important for them to hear it. We owe it to others to speak up on serious matters (if they don’t listen at least we tried).
So here’s the recap:
- Ignore the insignificant
- Offer help if appropriate
- Help when asked
- Insist when critical
Tips of the Day
When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.
~ Helen Keller
My thought to share with you today is… Practice Self Acceptance over Self Judgment – you will feel more alive and the world will be a better place! You aren’t perfect BUT you are a worthwhile person!!!
All the best 🙂 – Joyfully yours, Greg
BE GRATEFUL and spread kindness – it will all come back to YOU!!