No, we are not pretending to be know-it-alls and mister goody-two-shoes, but all of us have a fair grasp as to why some people appear to be un-nice. Now, who has not been mean at one point in his/her life? Learning to accept that you are not as nice as you think you are is the very first step in being a nicer person. We are human, after all - prone to mistakes and errors in judgment. We are ruled by emotion, and sometimes, our emotions make us do things which we later regret.
Wouldn't it be nice to be nice? Here are a few things we must remember and constantly keep in check. Most people who go astray forget two or more of the things on this list.
Respect each person's uniqueness. Too often, we persecute because someone is different. We think they are queer, instead of unique, ridiculous instead of ground-breaking, crazy because they are outside the norm. Reality check: not all people are of the same mould. Not everyone will be pleasing to the eye, and not everyone will think the way you do. Show respect for the individuality of people - it's what makes the world an interesting place. The world is made up of people of different races, religions, appearances, intelligence and likeability. We are not androids or robots, so expect and respect each person no matter how different they are. More importantly, learn to accept each person for who they are, and not according to how you expect them to be.
Realize that not everyone is dealt the same lucky cards. Too often, you judge people because you do not understand their personal situations. Not everyone is as lucky as you are. You may be good-looking, intelligent, successful and talented, but remember - not everybody is like you. You must make room in both your mind and heart for compassion and understanding. Instead of being mean, be nicer by sharing what you have. It may not be in the form of money, but you can teach them secrets to being as successful as you are. Show charity not only of the wallet, but of the mind and spirit. Use your talents to help out others who are not as lucky.
Accept that wealth is no way to measure a person's worth. People often show more respect for the wealthy. We all know this isn't fair, but it's the general tendency of people. People with money can buy all the fanciest cars, the nicest mansions, the most sophisticated food - but they cannot buy everything - real happiness, included. Rather than give your respect to those who are wealthy, try viewing each person as "rich despite the lack of money." Remember, not all moneyed people are happy people. Show people that you're nice by not basing your treatment of people on how fat their wallets are.
Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Most of the time, you need to try and see how it feels to be in someone else's position. Try to imagine yourself as the recipient of meanness and unjust judgment - that's the only way you will realize how hard it is to live the life of others you have been mean to. Be kinder to people - you never know how bad their shoes fit.
Learn to comfortably say "thank you," "excuse me," "please," and "I'm sorry." Actually, these words must be basic in every person's life. Just being able to say thanks may be enough reward to a do-gooder. "Please", on the other hand, somehow makes the entire favour-asking hard to turn down. And never underestimate the power of "I'm sorry" - it is known for mending the worse of conflicts, and may even have the power to end wars. Be nicer to people by uttering these words. It reflects how well-bred you are, and shows your willingness to humble yourself just to make bad situations make a turn for the better.
Don't make decisions when you're mad, and zip the trap until you are more relaxed. This tip is simple - just plain keep still and keeps quiet when you know you are in the worse of moods. Your bad mood will encourage you to make decisions you will regret, and say things you can never take back.
Don't be quick to judge. Don't base your impressions about people on your initial perception. And don't listen to rumours. Get to know people first before making you judgments. Give people a chance to prove their worth. Remember - someone who may be yucky to your friend may turn out to be very nice to you. And you'll never know this until you give them a chance to be nice to you. Always keep in mind - you also will never fully know what others are saying about you - and how many people gave you a chance despite what they heard. Tit for tat.
Try to discover joy behind every person and event. As they say, there's always a silver lining behind every shadow. No person is ever one-dimensional - there is always a good side and a not-so-pleasant side. It's part of what makes people human. Accept both the good and the bad, and respect their uniqueness. Hey, someone out there also welcomed you with open arms despite your flaws.
----------------------------------------------------
Michael Griffiths is the CEO and Founder of Secrets of a Super Life, providing individuals with personal development strategies to increase their purpose, passion, happiness and life fulfilment. For your free life success pack please visit http://www.mysuperlifetoday.com
EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=304357
No comments:
Post a Comment