Change yourself first

Have you ever tried to change another persons beliefs? Tried to get them to see your point of view? Have you noticed that no matter how eloquently or forcefully you make your point, the other person refuses to accept your position?

Have you felt frustration at their lack of true understanding of your position, and the fact they have no empathy for you or your situation? If you are anything like me, and I would say with respect you do understand where I am coming from, it is easier to push water uphill than to expect respect.

In reality you cannot change another person’s behaviour by constantly pointing out that they are wrong and you are right. That’s just asking for trouble. Why? Because more often than not - being right or wrong is subjective. So what can you do? Do you keep banging your head in frustration on the brick wall that you are faced with? Do you carry on getting frustrated and angry because they cannot see your point of view let alone agree with it?

Or do you change the ONLY thing you do have complete control over – YOU?

You can accept that some people will continue running around in ever decreasing circles claiming to be right, claiming the right to be a “victim”. You know the sort of person I am talking about – they are the ones who whinge and whine about how bad their life is. The point is, you could continue to allow them to rule your life (how many previous conversations have you got running through your head?), by allowing them room to manoeuvre inside your non-conscious thought processes. I have noticed that the more you try and change someone, the more likely it is that they will dig their heels in, stamp their feet and strike their all-too familiar pose when they don’t get their own way. And more importantly the less time you have to change the person who really matters the most to you – yes YOU.

Be a better person today than you weren't yesterday;
Treat yourself and others with respect - even if someone doesn't believe / see / understand your point of view, doesn't mean you can't see theirs, so agree to differ;
And if they can't even do that, accept that position and then move on. Don't waste your time and energy on things and people that are stuck going nowhere fast.