Sucker Punch

It’s difficult to fully enjoy the good days. Not to be pessimistic but you know that just around the corner is a sucker punch to remind you not to get too comfortable. A reminder that you’re not as good as you think you are or at least others don’t see your shine. It happens more than I’d like to admit. To be honest, it affects me way more than it should. That’s on me.

I get it. Gratitude dude! Be grateful for the good days and see the bad days as an opportunity to sharpen your blade. What doesn’t break you will only make you stronger. Oh please, these sayings can make me noxious! Be positive Scott and the good will follow. Whoever came up with that one sells snake oil on the side. The fact is that life can suck at times and it’s easy to see why some just fold.

This world would be so much better if kindness, empathy, and emotional intelligence were common traits among our fellow humans. But its not and some people revel in the opportunity to attack, criticize, or otherwise undermine for selfish reasons. I’m not saying that this is a common trait among people but is prevalent enough to spoil the basket of otherwise good people. And it happened to me last week.

How can we desensitize ourselves from the comments and actions that cut deep? Is it to develop tough skin so the blade can’t penetrate? Or is the more constructive armor to build the capacity to not take the destructive actions of others personal, to understand that bad behavior speaks more of the perpetrator? I need to develop the skills to confront these actions immediately, and constructively. I need to have the ability to ask for clarification of other’s actions and when necessary, to call out actions that cross the line. To act with emotional maturity and clarity at least lets others know where your limits are. And maybe after discussing you become aware of something you did that precipitated the response. It’s a learning opportunity.

Yep, last week sucked and I still haven’t fully recovered. Think through the situation and respond with purpose – good purpose – the next time it happens.