Too often, we hear about the disgruntled employee, or student, who relinquishes self-control and harms people. Blaming others for all gone wrong in their lives, these troubled souls lash out in violence. Through verbal tirades, undermining tactics, or physical retaliation, they focus their hatred and revenge on getting even.
But there’s another segment of people who rarely get attention. And if they do, it certainly doesn’t compete with the magnitude of media hype generated when someone falls off of an emotional and mental cliff, taking many innocent lives with them.
With resolve and respect, when faced with rebuke, or discipline, these folks choose higher ground, and set out to change things. But wisely, they start within, versus trying to make others pay for perceived victimization. I’ve noted a pattern within those who succeed, versus those who subsist through life, or worse, those who hurt others because the consequences of their life choices aren’t everything they wish them to be.
Below, are specific traits found in those who have figured out how to turn their mediocrity into a life of meaning:
- They choose to hear, when faced with uncomfortable things others see in them. They decide to grow a thick skin, diminishing over-sensitivity.
- Invest time and energy to consider the possibility that they are not always right.
- Intentionally strive to separate their emotions from facts, so they can see a situation more clearly.
- Work hard to give more than they receive.
- When persecuted by someone else, they imagine the possibility that the other person deals with private demons, is having a terrible day, or hasn’t been taught how to treat people with respect and dignity.
- Doesn’t make everything about them.
- Are careful who they spend time with, knowing we become most like those we hang around.
- Listen twice as much as they speak.
- Know their words matter, and so choose wisely.
- Exercise genuine humility, as they celebrate good things that happen for others.
- They create order and cleanliness, making sure chaos is reduced.
- Can distinguish between big-talkers and big-doers, choosing to follow the examples of the latter.
- Talk themselves past negative assumptions.
Any action, constructive or destructive, begins in the mind. Changing our thought patterns can determine whether our consequences are good or not so good. Deciding in advance to respond positively to adverse circumstances, can help us avoid weak responses. No one else can equip us to overcome Postal Syndrome, but with God’s help, we can prevent it in ourselves.
Anita Fresh Faith
Does your self talk convince you of entitlement or lead you to offer others a sense of comfort?
Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business and Inspirational Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Expert, Certified Training Facilitator, Communications Specialist, national speaker, and author of the soon-to-be released book, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market.
She’s a partner in The Zenith Zone, a business coaching firm. Member of the Christian Writer’s Guild, client of WordServe Literary Group, graduate of CLASSeminars for Leaders, Speakers, and Authors, a co-founder of The StoryWriting Studio, and speaker on circuit for Stonecroft International Ministries.
Anita’s passionate about business with integrity, healthy relationships, and issues of identity. She travels the country teaching others from her personal experiences and research. She believes it’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith. Anita lives in Missouri with her husband Ricky.
Follow her FreshFaith blog anitabrooks.com. You may contact her via website anitabrooks.com/contact/ or email anita.freshfaith@gmail.com.
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