It's All About Control

It really is all about control.  People either have control or they give their control up to other people.  I have found this to be incredibly obvious in the workplace.

I have seen people arrive for work in perfectly good moods - bright and cheerful - and within 10-20 minutes, their moods have soured simply because of an exchange they have had with a co-worker or client/customer.  Quite simply, this is allowing someone to take control of you.

Remember folks, we cannot control anything but ourselves.  We can control what we do, what we say, and how we behave, but we cannot control other people nor can they control us.  However, this basic rule changes for some when they allow a negative experience dictate how they will behave for period of time.  This is not only giving up your control, but it is giving up your power.  Do you really want to give up your power?

If you feel yourself growing grumpy or snarky because of a negative experience, simply take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  If need be, count to 10... or 20.  Maybe even 30.  Then remember no one controls you but you.  If someone is having a bad day - that is their problem.  What will set you apart from them, what will make you shine brighter, is not allowing that bad day to infect you.  Move on, maintain, and refocus... And you'll go far.