A Kinder Gentler World
As we enter a new year, most of us are struggling with those mandatory New Year’s resolutions. Pick up any newspaper or magazine, listen to any news program and watch a talk show on TV. New Year’s resolutions are the topic of conversation.
There are people on both sides of this issue. Should we make them or not? Most everyone agrees that these resolutions are rarely kept. Experts recommend that we call them “goals” and not resolutions, believing that by changing the name, we are more likely to stay focused and actually achieve them.
Do whatever works for you and call them what you like as you strive to make changes in your life, whether personal or professional. Decide if you want to lose weight, stop smoking, be more productive, be more present with your family–the list goes on. Most of us know how we want to be different in 2015.
I would like to make a suggestion. Whatever you do, consider adding to your goals or resolutions making this a kinder gentler world as George H. W. Bush challenged us when he was sworn in as president of the United States in 1989. Now there’s a challenge. What can you, one person, do to achieve that, especially in these violent times? You can’t stop terrorists’ attacks by yourself, you can’t get the Democrats and Republicans to agree with each other for the greater good and you can’t even get the guy behind you to stop honking his horn when you don’t move fast enough as the traffic light changes
Here’s what you can do. You can:
1. Treat the people you interact with every day with courtesy and respect.
2. Offer to help a co-worker with a difficult project.
3. Control your own emotions in trying situations.
4. Listen more to those around you and strive to understand their point of view.
5. Smile more everyday.
6. Look people in the eye.
7. Hold a door for someone.
8. Say “please,” “thank you” and “you are welcome” more often.
This is the short list. You can add more and so can I can. So let’s consider this a starter. Think of other simple things we can do to make this a kinder gentler world as we go about our daily lives. I would love to hear what you would add to the list. Please send me your comments.
Good luck with those goals or resolutions. And remember to be a kinder gentler person everyday.
Hire Lydia to work with your staff to improve customer service and employee relations through the use of those priceless and often over-looked soft skills called manners. Lydia is the “unstuffy” business etiquette expert who helps individuals and organizations add the polish that builds profits. We’re talking about your bottom line here.
Since 1996, countless people have benefited from her wisdom through keynotes, seminars and conference breakout sessions. Her Southern charm and sense of humor have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant.
Based in Savannah, Georgia, Lydia is available for national, regional and local speaking and training engagements. She has suitcase; will travel.
Contact her via email at lydia@lydiaramsey.com or call 912-604-0080. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter and visit her website, lydiaramsey.com.