MAY 13, 2022
I would imagine we have all met a few “Nasty People” in our lives. Maybe you are one of them or have been one of them on occasion. We all have our own perception and biases of WHO these “Nasty People” or “Jerks” might be. Have you allowed them to “take over your mind” or your own sense of self-worth? Forget about it and move on. If they can’t learn to help themselves by becoming self-aware of their own motives and insecurities, then maybe you need to move on to someone that can have a more positive impact on your life. (We will call these people “antagonists”) Don’t let them camp in your mind and destroy your own truth, beauty, goodness and unity. Stop being hurt by them without becoming them. Be your own good self and rise above the situation.
This often takes a lot of soul searching as to our own self-awareness and self-esteem. Yes, they may be nasty people or jerks, but they are still a child of God like you and me. Seek understanding rather than judgment here as you are not the final authority on their lives. Just pray for them rather than seek revenge or spiteful behavior as it will only enlarge the chasm between you. Relationships are important but not at the expense of your own mental, spiritual and physical health.
My parents always taught me to “Nice your enemies to death.” (Not literally) By doing this throughout my career, I have made some great friends and fewer enemies. Even those so-called “unlovables.” Look at kindness as a strength rather than a weakness. You don’t always have to come out on top of an argument or conflict as the winner and your precious ego is not all that matters. You just may be the loser without even realizing it.
After watching numerous associates and customers in the business world over the last fifty years, I have often asked myself; “Why and How do jerks and nasty people succeed?” Being a jerk may make other people see you as bold and powerful. (But you are still a jerk) Bad behavior is abhorrent because it can become infectious with organizations and in other settings. Once you lose trust, everything else goes with it. Trusting someone is key and holding them accountable is essential. Stability and rules are valuable. If you don’t play by the rules (with a lack of ethics and integrity) YOU LOSE along with your organization! That is just the way life works.
Speaking of ethics; there are three categories of ethics; The right way; the wrong way, and everybody else does it. What way will you take? (There is only one correct answer.) If you are around nasty people on a daily basis, choose to do the RIGHT thing. That means be nice. This will tend to drive those jerks or “nasty people” nuts. You don’t have to be right every time. Just be NICE about it. Look for the Win/Win rather than the Win/Lose or Lose/Win.
Elevator Guy
Quotes for the Day:
“When someone is nasty or treats you poorly, don’t take it personally. It says nothing about you, but a whole lot about them.” Anonymous
“The most miserable people are those who care only about themselves, understand only their own troubles, and see only their own perspective.” Anonymous