Hear that sound? That grinding, screechy sound? That’s the sound of me pulling out my soap box. Prepare yourself. It’s about to get all preachy in here.
Personal Responsibility. Integrity. Humility. Why do so many people lack these wonderful traits? They’ve never let me down (we’re the best of buddies, that trio and me), and yet so many people never defer to them for guidance. They’d give you the answers–if only you’d ask! An example (and it’s hypothetical):
Me: I got passed over for a promotion, and yet I work really hard. What should I do?
Personal Responsibility: You are doing a good job, but is there any place you can improve?
Me: Well…okay, I guess I do spend a lot of time on Facebook.
Integrity: Well, I’m glad you admitted it. Now we can try to fix it.
Me: I know. I’m here to work, but sometimes I get wrapped up in what my friends are doing. It takes a really long time to “like” all the great things my friends post.
Humility: Well, let’s take this as a lesson. You’re not at your best now, but with a little work, you could be better. You do great work, you just lack focus.
Me: I agree. I should take this as an opportunity to show how devoted I am to this job. Who knows? If it doesn’t work out here, at least I tried my best and can take this experience to my next job!
See how that works? Let’s see the reverse…
Me: I can’t believe I got passed over for another friggin’ promotion when I’ve been here, day in and day out, working my ass off.
The Finger-Pointer: Um, your manager is a total jerk. I bet he’s holding you back because he’s afraid you’re going to take his job.
Me: Yeah, doesn’t he have anything better to do than watch me all the time? I’d be more productive if he wasn’t breathing down my neck.
Dishonesty: I know, girl. And, Facebook?? That’s how you stay “in the know.”
Me: Uh, huh! How else would I know there was an earthquake Virginia?? Or if it’s hot out? Facebook is as good as the news! Besides, that little snot, Martha, has been saying some pretty cryptic things on her wall, and I think she’s talking about me.
Self-Absorbed: No way, you’re effing awesome!
Me: I know! Why doesn’t she like me??
Self-Absorbed: Eh, you don’t need her, OR that crappy job. How’s about you just quit. No, don’t give notice–they don’t deserve it. They disrespected YOU. Just leave, then they’ll see just how much you do. And, who knows? Maybe your parents will let you move back in with them if worse comes to worse. If not, I hear your friend’s cousin has an empty couch.
Me: Hell’s yeah!
Self-Absorbed: Great! Let’s go get a beer!
Me: You drink?
Self-Absorbed: Are you buying?
Now, I’m not going to lie. I haven’t always taken (and sometimes still don’t take) the high-road. I try very hard to, though! I wish I could say the same for…well…the general public. It’s a “save yourself” kind of world we live in. You see it on TV, you read it in the newspaper, and you experience it in real life. Everyone is worried about “what’s in it for me,” “how will it affect me,” or “how can I pass the buck.” Instead of owning up to one’s mistakes and learning from both positive and negative experiences, we bury our heads in the sand, or worse, go with denial and/or flat out lies. (I’ve been watching a lot of reality TV–a great place to learn how not to be a good person.)
You see it in politics, and you see it in major corporations. You see it in schools, and you see it among friends. Instead of owning up, saying sorry, and admitting responsibility, people point the finger, cry injustice, and deny any wrongdoing. You screwed up, admit it. You don’t have the answer, find it. You don’t agree with the status quo, oppose it. You need to make a tough decision (but don’t want to be the bad guy), deal with it. And when someone extends you an olive branch, accept it, then get over it! Life is not about being right, it’s about doing the right thing. See beyond yourself. In the grand scale of things, you are nothing more than a particle of dust floating into the ether, and you are significantly overestimating your importance. (Unless, of course, you’re someone famous…or have a ton of friends on Facebook.)
In summary: Those who do not wish to take the high road should just stay home. (And those who take the high road and brag about it, probably took a wrong turn.)
Rant over…Phew! 
Thanks for the inspiration, Lynda and Lisa!
Who knows–maybe I am the stripey type?
