Complain or…

 

For some reason we seem to have come to a place where complaining is accepted.  All too often we play the victim, blame others, point fingers and gripe. The fact that we complain implies that we think the circumstances are someone else’s fault and out of our control. That may be the case. However, the complaint itself is unlikely to change anything.  There are alternatives to complaining.

 

Next time you feel the need to complain, consider the impact of that.  What will be accomplished by complaining?  More importantly consider your options.  Might it be best to just remove yourself from the matter?  Are there ways you can take the initiative to change and improve the circumstances?  Maybe it is a battle not worth fighting and an act of quiet acceptance is in order.  Be productive or be quiet!

 

“When you complain you make yourself a victim.  Either leave the situation, change the situation or accept it.”

- Eckhart Tolle

Energy Leaks

Have you ever heard of something called an energy leak?  It is a feeling, behavior or attitude  that drains you of energy.  Energy leaks are wasteful, they drain people of positive energy for no good reason.  Some examples of potential energy leaks...

- Jealousy

- Judging others

- Holding grudges

- Petty bickering

- The blame game

There are many, maybe hundreds more.  Everybody has these, they may be different from those listed, but we all have them.  The interesting thing is, we know it.  For some reason we think these thoughts and feelings might make us feel better.  The truth is, that energy spent on these feelings and behaviors is a waste.  It produces no positive outcome and sucks the energy right out of you.  Use your energy on positive thoughts, feeling and behaviors and stop wasting time on energy leaks! Enjoy the quote below..

 “Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks.”

-               Warren Buffett

Blame

To blame or not to blame?  There are appropriate times to seek and place blame, like when lives have been lost or when property has been damaged. Often, in matters of less importance we try too hard to blame others.  Admirable is the notion of taking responsibility for ones’ action.  It is too easy to place blame, point a finger, or deny responsibility.  We all do it to some degree, but in highly visibly situations, on important issues, and in teaching moments, great leaders pass on blaming others (even if somewhat justified).  The high road is one taken without blaming others and a wise choice to make.  Think about that at home in the example we set for our kids.  Unfortunately, our younger generation seems extremely quick to lay blame.  Take responsibility for whom and what you are.  Pass up the finger pointing opportunity and lead by example.  Consider this quote…

“The search for someone to blame is always successful.”

- Robert Half