Influence is a CHOICE

I know, it sounds like a cliche. You really can choose!

YOU have the power to influence YOU. Remember the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other? Well, they're still there. You have the power to choose which one to listen to. In this PC country, we call them positive thoughts and negative thoughts. Same thing.

Who ya gonna listen to? Peter Pan or stinkin' thinkin'?

Lets see the choices. Say you work in a place where you take calls all day. You have someone call and they have a horrible attitude.

Choice 1: Snap back.
Choice 2: Stay calm and collected.

Lets follow Choice 1-- you give it back just a good as they gave it. Both your blood pressures rise and things get heated. They crack and get abusive and you hang up on them, shaking and nearly in tears.

Choice 2-- Stay calm and let them vent while listening for what's really bothering them. Apologize profusely, even--- and here's the big thing-- even if it's NOT YOUR FAULT. Try to offer a solution and let YOU be the one that solves their concerns. By the time you get off the phone, they think you are wonderful.

There you have two choices that can affect your day AND their day. Your health and their health. Your outlook and theirs.

Don't stop growing. :-) Think happy thoughts.