Sydney J. Harris is attributed with sharing three hard tasks. They resonate with me as challenging for sure and I believe our whole society could gain from taking these into account. The way we interact in the comments is probably the most vile human interaction that exists but for many it is their only human interaction. You can tell by their comments that they are not well. These hardest tasks are applicable.
Returning Love for Hate – This may be the most empowering way to react when someone is coming after you for who they think you are, what you said, or for whatever reason. It takes an incredible amount of self control to accomplish this one. The animal instinct is to attack back or defend, but if you can give a warm smile and ask them how they’re doing when they’re trying to tear you down, you’ll defuse the situation, get to the bottom of it and find common ground.
You should also know there is less hate out there than you think. Be the love to prevent the hate. If you are actually getting hated on regularly you might need to consider task 3 below, maybe you could be projecting yourself differently.
Include the Excluded – Excluding people is weak. If you don’t let someone in your friend group because they make you less cool, then you aren’t as cool as you think. Look for the people around the edges, get them involved. Treat all people with dignity and know that you are no better than anyone.
Admitting you are Wrong – Oh that’s hard right? Particularly if you have to admit you are wrong to someone you failed to return love for hate with. Do it, be the bigger person, if you were wrong, you were wrong but it doesn’t mean the end of your life. Seize the opportunity to get in front of it as soon as you can. Also, make it positive. It’s as good or as bad as you make it. Practice your admission in two different tones if you have the chance. Say it as if it is terrible and then say it as if your wrongdoing was nothing. See what fits and realize it’s usually a matter of perspective.
Hopefully you’re seeing that these hard tasks can and need to be done when faced with them, but also seeing that if you truly embody the capability to perform these hard tasks, these tasks aren’t so hard. Live a life where these hard tasks become easy.
Make it a great day my friends.
Best Ops Pro 