The 24 Hour Rule
It is imperative to wait 24 hours before reacting when we feel
angry. This is because:
- natural consequences will take care of the problem
- you can calm down and come up with a different
perspective
- the issue is no longer important
The Elephant Rule
Picture that a huge, fat elephant is coming your way. What
do you do? You move away and let the elephant go by. The
same is true when someone negative, angry or bitter is
coming your way. Instead of getting in his way, just move
and let him go by. Don't provoke or try to argue with him
because he might stamp you.
The Madhouse Rule
While walking, you see a sign on a building that says
"Madhouse" and for some reason you hear a man shouting
from one of the windows saying: "HEY!! You man, are so
crazy!"
Do you really believe him? Do you take it personally? Do you
let it bother your? Or do you ignore him and think: "Poor guy,
he is locked in the madhouse and yet he thinks that I'm the
crazy one."
You might find it humorous or might even feel compassion,
right?
Well, you could have the same attitude towards other
people, especially with strangers, people that hardly know
you, or people in the street. For examples: why bother to
react when another driver insults you? Or when a coworker
is trying to push your buttons and you know it? This would be
a good rule to apply.
The Hospital Rule
Imagine a very sick person that is lying on a hospital bed,
hooked up with so many tubes that it's almost impossible for
him to move. You are sitting on the other side of the room
feeling very thirsty. You notice that there is a glass of water
right next to the sick person.
What do you do? Do you ask him to pass you the glass?
After all it is just a small glass, no big deal, right? It is
obvious that you would not bother him; you know better than
that because he's so sick! You don't expect him to pass the
glass to you and you don't get angry or take it personally.
And that is exactly what you should do when you are with
people that cannot understand what you need, or are
incapable of doing, saying, or giving what you would want. It
is much better if you do not ask them, and do not expect
them to do something for you.
The Blind Man Rule
Have you realized what happens when you see a blind
person alone trying to cross the street or standing in the
middle of a crowded place? Somehow, you feel that you
are blessed because you have your sight to see and guide
you.
You can see where you are going and what to avoid. If you
see that this person needs help you would probably
approach him and offer your assistance, right? You would
not hesitate to help if you were needed.
Well, in life sometimes we meet people that come across
as difficult but underneath the surface, they are really blind
even if they have sight. Yes, there are people who have
limitations, a disadvantage, who have been hurt
emotionally, who feel lost or damaged.
If we could only understand them and feel compassionate,
we would then try to help them instead of being hostile.
Probably, and without looking for it, we would get more
than what we gave. Not to mention that in this way, we
improve the relationship, sweeten someone's life, and
improve the flavor of our life.
The President Rule:
Who holds the most important position in the government?
"The President"
Who is the person that has the highest position in a
corporation or firm?
"The President or the CEO"
How do we treat people that are in these high positions?
We treat them with extra consideration. We try hard to be
polite and to be extremely careful with everything we say or
do. Otherwise we could get into trouble.
Therefore, we don't make fun of them, we treat them with
respect, we try to be helpful, we address them with a good
tone of voice, gentle words, and do our best to be on their
good side. In other words, we behave our best.
The Bee Rule
Sometimes, whether we like it or not, there are people that
try hard to provoke us. No matter what we do there are
overbearing, like a bee buzzing around out heads. And
when a bee stings, it really hurts.
With these people it is easy to lose control and react in a
negative way.
What do we do then?
The key here is PREVENTION. We protect ourselves by
being prepared. We tell ourselves beforehand that no
matter what the other does, we will not let him/her push our
buttons.
We'll remain calm and deal with the situation without giving
away our power, without being in a reactive mode.
In an encounter with a difficult person, remember:
a. Many times you have to deal with that person whether
you want it or not.
b. Don't be judgmental; everybody has his own issues.
c. Find the good intentions in others. Give them the benefit
of the doubt.
d. The more effort you put into getting along with another,
the greater the benefit for yourself.
e. Treat others the way you would like to be treated
f. Learn, keep, and frequently use the 7 rules
g. Remember, the person that has to change is the one
who can and is eager to make the change.
h. Keep in mind that being complacent and sometimes
giving in does not mean you are relinquishing your power.
i. Remember many people are just not aware of their
behavior. Nobody wants to think or himself as being mean
or difficult. After all, everybody wants to have a good life.
Recipes for Life:
Ingredients:
1 cup of self-control
1 bunch of perspective
1 slice of purpose/target
3 drops of acceptance
1 pinch of noble eyes
Condiments:
Cleverness, endurance, and hope
Preparation
1. You always have a choice to control yourself.
Nobody can make you feel, say, or do something that you don't want. You are your own chef, therefore you are responsible for your actions.
2. The only person that you can change is yourself.
When you accept and change your behavior and/or thoughts, you can relate to others in a new and fresh way. Trying to change others is a fruitless task, with dashed hopes and full of disappointment
3. At all times remember your goal. These will empower and provide strength, patience, and a clear point of view, helping you to act calmly and wisely.
