Perspective is Everything

We often point to external circumstances to justify how we feel, react and behave.

Twin boys with identical DNA and upbringing are forced to deal with their abusive alcoholic father. One brother becomes a poorly behaved alcoholic adult, and the other a generous, respected man.

Both point to the same reason for why they turned out the way they did:

"I watched my father."

We can't control much of what happens to us. How we choose to view what happened, and what we do as a result is under our control. Perspective is everything.

Another Reason Not to Trash Talk

Studies show that when you say “he’s arrogant” or “she’s selfish,” people don’t just associate those traits with the person you’re talking about. They associate them with you.

This happens even when they’ve never met the person you’re talking about.

Not that we should need a study to support why not to spread negative gossip. But here it is: If you’re going to talk about someone behind their back, make sure it’s positive. It will reflect positively on both of you.

Pay Now or Pay Later

When we avoid or delay necessary but difficult conversations, we trade short-term discomfort for long-term dysfunction. Which usually leads to more discomfort and more dysfunction over a longer timeline.

Pay now or pay (more) later.