Setting A Good Example

When it’s all said and done, far more is said than done.

So much of the stress and anxiety that is bedevilling today’s society is the result of unmet expectations. Too many people spend too much time talking about what they are going to do and never actually doing it. Promises made are far too often not kept. Assurances are given with no real intent. Words are cheap and conversations are too readily bankrupted. Broken spirits result.

What’s  needed is more accountability, increased honesty and a greater acceptance of responsibility. And it all starts at a personal level. It’s unreasonable and ultimately frustrating  to expect those around us to do as they say; to consistently back up their words with actions; if we aren’t doing the same.

A starting point is acceptance of the fact that it is not possible to live another person’s life for them. No matter how honest and caring our intention and despite our best efforts the only way an individual will change their behaviours, attitude or opinions is when they decide to do it.

The only way to influence real change in another person is to set a good example. One of the most difficult parts about setting an example is maintaining consistency.

It’s important for us to decide who it is that we aspire to be…and then working on strategies that move us from aspiration to destination. Staying true to the course – like staying true to ourselves and true too our word – can be difficult. No-one ever promised us that life would be easy. But some people find it more difficult than it needs to be.

Accepting that every day is a fresh start and a new opportunity to be a better person than we were yesterday helps us to be more honest with ourselves and concentrate on the changes we need to make – the changes no-one else can make for us.