Opinions and preferences

It’s easy to share your opinion on something truly subjective like music, food, or art without being hostile. That band, that food, and that style of art doesn’t suck – they’re just not for you. And of course we all have the right to have preferences. Sometimes people with strong preferences or beliefs share them as if they were truths. When you share opinions, make it obvious that they are your preferences, your views, your thoughts, and not objective facts about which people can either agree or be wrong/stupid. That’s a recipe for bickering and dividing people. I hope we can all agree that there’s enough of that.

Guidelines that simplify

Guidelines allow us to predetermine how we’ll direct our energy to make thoughtful decisions.  One guideline I use in a situation where I’m invited to something that I can’t commit to, is to say “I can’t make it but I really appreciate the invite.  If anything changes I’ll to let you know.”

This makes my default answer “no” rather than “maybe.”  No guilt, no follow-up, no mental energy required.  Also, if I am able to make it in the end, it’s a much more positive outcome than if I’d have said “maybe” and backed out.

What  simple guidelines can you create now so that you’re less reactive when it’s decision time?

You don’t need a job

You don’t need a job.  You need income. Getting a job is one common way to gain income, but viewing it as the only way closes the door to many opportunities.

Some people earn commissions selling products for companies that don’t employ them. Others turn selling a few items on Etsy or eBay into a business. Some let their monetary investments provide income. Others teach people to do these things.

I’m not encouraging that everyone start a business.  I’m encouraging the idea of zeroing in on your needs and asking how – other than the obvious, popular ways – you can achieve them.