You only directly control three things in the entire world. Interestingly, none of these are other people. You are in charge of your thoughts, your words, and your actions. That’s it. Most of us neglect these three key items, however. Instead we direct our precious, limited energy on thinking and talking about how others should be different. This is fruitless and even lazy. As long as I’m focused on what’s wrong with you, I don’t need to pay any attention to improving me. Focus on you. Rather than hoping you can mysteriously change the fundamental personality traits of those around you, direct your energy on perfecting your own sweet self.
Devora Zack, CEO of Only Connect Consulting
Source: Fast Company via John E. Smith @ Strategic Learner. Image: Thank you madamescherzo via popculturebuzz
Reblogged this on naomikko and commented:
Si, si, si…
🙂 Thank you and thanks for sharing.
Sometimes our actions turned off the self-control button. 🙂
Now that defines ME. 🙂
So true.
Three very hard things to control too. Sometimes trying to control other people is easier….
Laughing. Good one.
Yes, well — having worked in psychiatry, I tend to give myself a worse battering than others. I do spend a lot of time psychoanalysing others and reading all sorts of stuff into their body language, but, unless someone has been really foul to me, I don’t waste my breath voicing my observations. Some of their behaviours do crop up in my writing, although no character is based totally on a real person. Composite characters, that’s the one 😉
There’s no doubt we give ourselves a worse battering than others. I’m squarely with you on this Sarah. Insightful comment. I need to get better (much) on the “wasting my breath” part. And love “composite characters.” Beautiful. As always, thanks for dropping by.
So I guess we shouldn’t focus on our children to help them become better individuals?
Like.
And here’s my good friend Frank, at it again. Are you sure that you intended to drop this comment on this post? 🙂
Didn’t you know Frank, children are copycats?
Mesmerized by the swing …
Me too…
Fabulous post, David. 🙂 Have a great day.
Thanks AD. You too…
Well said. The other big waster is worrying about and trying to win approval from others.
Yes, or trying to change them.
Absolutely and almost impossible to teach and even harder to learn.
Exactly!
This literally hit home as I read it to my daughter 🙂 Thx
Laughing. You weren’t read it to yourself?
[…] You can only control three things…. […]
Great post, David!! Couldn’t agree more!!
Thanks Joyce.
Reblogged this on MINDFUL DIARY and commented:
You can control only three things and none of these are other people! Love this post! From always inspiring David Kaningan.
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing.
True words! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Such a simple thing and yet most difficult to work on ourselves first and most importantly.
Yes, most difficult, I completely agree Melody
Reblogged this on Donkey Whisperer Farm Blog.
Reblogged this on Waiting for the Karma Truck and commented:
I kept returning to this post while we were away – it resonates with me big time. Words worth heeding.
Reblogged this – it’s been on my mind since I first read it..
Thanks for sharing Mimi…
Thank you David.
Thanks for dropping by.
Reblogged this on I LOVE MY DISEASE!.
Thanks for sharing and following.