There will always be plenty of situations and persons that annoy you or that you would like to change; “He should behave like this”, “She should do that”, “Things are supposed to go like this or that”, “People should do it my way….”
However, you cannot change another person. Although you try and try… it will only lead to disappointment, frustration and eventually depression.
But there is hope. There are things that you do control. You can change your thoughts, your beliefs, your decisions, your behavior, your actions.
Personal leadership, or simply human adulthood means you always look at your circle of influence. Instead of whining or complaining about a situation or a person, ask yourself questions like:
- What can I do (differently/better/more effective)?
- What is my share in this?
- What can I learn from this?
- How can I behave better so the other might be triggered to behave differently?
- How can I communicate better/more effective?
- How can I prevent this next time?
- Why is this so important for me?
- What am I afraid of?
How to change a person? The only person you can change is yourself.
And remember:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
