If you were viewing “the dailies” (movie term for watching daily, unedited footage) of your life from yesterday, or the day before…or last week, would you be pleased? Would you be proud of how you spent your time, how you treated your significant other, your kids, your co-workers, employees or people you met that day?
Would you be able to watch and say, “I did everything that was on my priority list, and what I didn’t get done, didn’t really matter.” Would you be happy with your actions, what you ate, how much you drank and the conversations you had with others and more importantly with yourself?
Is it possible you might cringe at watching some of that footage? The tone of voice you used when talking to someone you say you “love.” Fighting about something so small and insignificant that when watching the playback, it even makes you laugh because it’s so silly, even ridiculous in the grand scheme of things?
As you watch, do you say kind supportive things about other people—or do you gossip and say things you would “die” if it got back to them?
This is a powerful visualization exercise isn’t it? Yet, in our society today there are cameras everywhere; stoplights, stores, outside people’s homes…many of your actions are actually recorded.
Recently I’ve been in two situations where the actions of the individual I was dealing with absolutely stunned me. It seems to be more common today because so much can be said behind the shield of a virtual conversation when you’re not face-to-face. Which is no excuse for being rude, childish and torching your temper at someone, especially when you’re doing business with them. Maybe it’s just me, but my practice is not to come from my inner six year old when dealing with my clients!
It seems with all the information that comes flying at you on a daily basis, people have forgotten the importance of being kind, of asking a question if there is confusion, and being honest. And by the way, being honest does not give license to be mean, rude or insensitive. Honesty can be delivered in compassionate terms that are not misleading, or hurtful.
How the individual receives the information, is not for your consideration. One of my favorite sayings I learned from Jack Canfield (my mentor and Chicken Soup Co-Author) long ago is, “What other people think of you is none of your business.”
It’s most important what you think of yourself, it’s important that you love and accept yourself first as that will pave the way to being loved and accepted by others. (This is not to be confused with being narcissistic and delusional about your influence with people…)
On the contrary, if you spend all your time looking for love and acceptance from other people, when you do not give it to yourself you won’t find what you’re looking for. You’ll likely be perceived as needy, desperate and annoying.
You have a choice. I would encourage you to live each day in a way that you can be proud of your words and actions when you watch the dailies. Act your age when dealing with people, stay away from role models like Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada! Don’t engage with people who missed this memo. Lead with kindness and compassion.
Ready to take action? Respond below with, “I commit to improve my dailies!”
