“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.” – Dale Carnegie

If you’re like me, you believe that people, in general, are good. As I wrote about here.

Sadly, some aren’t.

If someone borrows something, you expect it back in good order.

If you have a contract with someone, you hope it’s honored.

If you do your honest best for someone, you wish that they both appreciate and thank you.

This isn’t always the case.

The brutal truth is that some people are dishonest. Some people lie directly to your face. Some people, no matter the amount of effort, are never, ever, ever going to be happy.

A mentor long ago told me to ask a simple question in these types of scenarios. To take a step back, observe the situation as an outsider and say, “what can I learn from this?”.

Easier said than done, I know.

However, if you view every situation as a learning experience, especially the ones where you are “right”, it drastically changes your reaction specifically, and your outlook generally.

Try it.

What you must never do, at all costs, is take it personal. If laid bare you know you have been honest and you have done your best, how could you?

Again…easier said than done.

The way you are treated, whether personally or professionally, typically has very little to do with you. It has everything to do with the other person.

Everything.

See you on the journey.