Some Days Are Tougher Than Others

Earlier today, had a conversation with a neighbor. Cool guy, but he was having a bit of a challenging day. The last couple of our interactions, he was having a challenging day. I’m not sure if you’ve had similar interactions, but when I’ve had them in the past, I deal with them in the following the ways.

My first option is always to listen. Afterwards, I offer a solution. As I offer my solution or solutions, I watch the body language and mannerisms of whomever I’m speaking to. When I notice unresponsive or unreceptive reactions to the solutions I’ve actually experienced and how they’ve worked for me, I begin to end the interaction. Herb likes to say, “I don’t know how much time I’ve got left, but I don’t want to spend any of it on this.”

After hearing a problem, as a man, as a servant, and as someone with an abundance of life’s experiences, I usually want to offer solutions. I believe in moving forward. I believe in taking action. I believe and shared this with my neighbor earlier, “You can’t think your way into right acting. You have to act your way into right thinking.” It’s about action, action, and more action. Inaction, whether it’s a solution I’m offering or something you come up with on your own, is an action. Choosing to stay in the problem, whatever that may be, is not acceptable.

Any of my efforts or time invested into problems, with no solutions, are a waste. I’m not willing to waste my breath, my expertise, my energy into people unwilling to take positive action. If you want to remain focused on a problem, feel free to do so. I will personally focus on solutions and taking action to implement those solutions. I’d suggest you do something similar.

Today, Tuesday, January 9, 2024, I am grateful that:

I’m able to discern those I want to be around and those I do not. If I’m wanting to get to where I need to be, I will not be able to waste time with those interested in staying in the problem and not the solution.

I’m am writing again. It feels tedious, but that’s more that I’m writing for my audience versus enhancing my relationship with my Creator,which was my original intent. I’ll keep writing though and more than likely find another way of enhancing my relationship.

Even when I don’t feel like doing something, like this list, I do it anyway. A week from now and definitely a decade from today, the only way I’ll remember how I felt about this list is to actually read it. Feelings are temporary, facts are permanent.

How do you remove yourself from people focused on their problems?

Do you focus on your problems?

What about solutions? Do you take action on your solutions?

Abe,

Be Greater