George Bernard Shaw once said, "The only sensible person I have met is my tailor. Every time I need a new suit he measures me. Everyone else tries to fit me into the old one."
People will put you down when they perceive you are different or trying to grow and improve because it's easier for them to hold you back than to admit they aren't growing and improving.
Heck, we even put ourselves down and talk ourselves out of doing things, or saying things, we know we should do and say because of our fears and negative thoughts.
Negative thoughts are limiting and prevent greatness. They are normal and protective but they stop us from confronting people or situations that need confronting. They create reactive responses, paralysis and a victim-like mentality.
Have you ever said, “He/she did that to me.” " I don't like going to work.” "I wish he/she wouldn't treat me that way.” etc., etc.?
You have a choice; a choice to change your thinking and that choice is your most powerful ally.
You can only feel intimidated, victimized, alone, badly treated... for as long as you choose to dwell on the negative. You have the power to change your negative thinking and what you dwell on with conviction becomes your reality. I didn't say it became reality; I said it became your reality.
So choose your thoughts wisely because you will have to live with them for as long as you choose to dwell on them.
So what can you do?
Ask yourself what's a worst case alternative to your situation.
Reframe your situation into a positive by saying, "I'd rather have (your situation) than (the worst case alternative.)
Create a short, punchy sound-bite phrase and repeat it at least ten times every time the negative thought returns. An example. You work with a negative, meddling, know-it-all. Say to yourself, "I'd rather work with a negative, meddling, know-it-all than not have a job that pays my bills." Now condense it to, "I'm glad to have a job that pays the bills." and repeat (to yourself) this when that person is in your face.
I was sent the following poem and I believe it's an excellent example of reframing. It's called, I am thankful.
I AM THANKFUL…
For my teenage daughter who is complaining about doing the dishes because that means she is at home & not on the
streets!
For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.
For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that friends have surrounded me.
For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a
home.
For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.
For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I
have been blessed with transportation.
For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.
For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.
For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.
And finally for too much e-mail, because it means there are people who are thinking of me.
Author Unknown
Remember the words of Brian Tracy, "By acting in a positive, pleasant and optimistic way, you become a positive, optimistic and enjoyable person."
You always have a choice. Reframe your negative thoughts and live the best life you can.
