Skinny Latte & A Piece Of My Mind

Yesterday I stopped into a coffee shop for a drink and a slice of my favourite carrot cake. The shop was quite busy and shortly after sitting at a table, two men who were obviously on their way home from work asked if they could join me at the table. Obviously I agreed, they sat down and then I couldn't help but have to listen to a conversation that started a little like this:

"Did you see Bob's tie today?"

"Yeah, it was ridiculous. He looked like a clown"

"What about Jenny from accounts, she totally messed up that report"

"I know, she's useless I think they should sack her. That new guy isn't shaping up to much either is he?"

"Nah"

And so it continued for the next twenty minutes. Just about everybody the two guys had met that day must have come in for some kind of criticism. I feel lucky that I don't have to work in their office as it must clearly be full of incompetant, badly dressed, thoughtless, ugly, fat, stupid and boring freaks. I guessed these two must be the only two 'normal people' in the company. Eventually, after finishing the cake, I thought I would run the risk of a punch in the face and said "Excuse me, Did you know that neither of you have one single positive comment since you came in?". The question was greeted with a shocked look and a stunned silence.

The point I make today is that negative thinking will more often than not bring negative outcomes and is bad habit that will prevent you becoming successful. Somebody wears a cheap pair of shoes or an overcoat you don't like...why feel the need to comment on it? After all you are not the one wearing it, so how does it affect you or your life? The trait of finding fault with others is often a way of deflecting flaws in our own character that we don't want to face up to. 

An ability to appraise yourself and your character honestly is extremely difficult but is vital to becoming succesful. After all, if you don't know what your weaknesses are, how can you address them? If you are struggling, ask your partner or a close friend what they feel are your worse characteristics...but be prepared for some uncomfortable answers!

Meanwhile, the next time you are about to criticise somebody just pause to think if it truly serves any constructive purpose, if not, why no try to find a compliment instead? Believe it will make you feel much better.