The Wisdom of Teddy Bears
I got an email from a customer last week that really tested my patience. Actually…he was already wearing that patience thin, this email was just “piling on”.
The part that was really getting to me was his arrogance, his ego. He consistently refused to take constructive criticism or advice or merely perspective. Even on topics where he was clearly in the wrong, or out of his area of expertise. He only wanted to give his ‘opinion’. He listened only to reply, not to understand. Because he already knows…everything.
My first reaction was to use my significant intellectual muscles (in my humble opinion, of course) to crush his failed logic and make him feel like an idiot. Because that would make me feel good, right?
But instead, I decided to shift my focus from his behavior, to my reaction.
I asked myself: “What good will that do?” Further…”How can I use this situation to my advantage?”
I calmed down, re-read the lengthy thread that had developed, and came away with these thoughts:
1. For the issues where this person has clearly shown a lack of understanding, or willingness to engage in the rules of discourse…I will politely smile, do what’s right, and move on. I will not worry about convincing him of something that is just and right. I will simply do what is just and right.
and…
2. You know what…there IS one point he made that is fair. It is fair, it is something that I SHOULD consider. In fact…sigh…he’s probably right. I just need to let my own ego subside and learn the lesson.
So what’s the point? For me, upon reflection, it was something like this:
If you find yourself in an uncomfortable position, or disagreement, etc…focus on your own reaction, rather than another’s actions.
Use every situation, especially difficult ones, as a chance to grow and find the good. Don’t let them bring you down…find a way to let them serve you, and lift you up.
Find that piece of information or perspective in every exchange that can make you a better you.
Focus on your own reaction, rather than on other’s actions.
Look at everyone you engage with as a teacher. This will help keep your ego in check, even in times of debate or disagreement…and ultimately serve you far better.
Because you absolutely never know what situation, or more importantly what person, you can learn from.
Once you stop learning, you start dying. - Albert Einstein Click To Tweet
There’s no one we can’t learn from. And believe me, I’ve run across some top flight idiots out there. For example, I ran across this divorce attorney several years back. You wanna talk about some knuckle-draggin’, DNA-mistaken buffoonery? One time the dude said…
Wait…I digress.
There’s no one we can’t learn from. And I’ll prove it.
Check out these quotes from the Buddha:
“Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.”
“Promise you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you believe, and smarter than you think.”
“Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my new favorite day.”
“I’m not lost for I know where I am. But, however, where I am may be lost.”
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
I just lied to you. None of these quotes are from the Buddha.
They’re all from Winnie the Pooh.
You’re welcome.
Go forth and Learn my Friends. Make this day Count. Make this week count.
Make this LIFE count.
