Tuesday January 22, 2013 #491

 

“Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.”

 

~Ben Franklin

 

Unless you are raising a young child, your chances of fundamentally changing the core behaviors and beliefs of any individual are remote to none.  And even then, it is extremely difficult – ask any parent!  So why do we spend so much time trying to change a spouse, a business partner, an employee, or a friend?  It likely lies in our desire to be understood and to control our environment.

The reality is you have little control over anything or anyone other than yourself.  Further, the best way to be understood is to first seek to understand and accept the people you’ve chosen to have in your life (yes it is your choice!).  Focus on what needs to change in yourself and let the world take care of itself.  You and the people around you will be better for it.