Sometimes when dealing with difficult people, we just don’t feel like putting in the effort, because it takes emotional energy to maintain our shalom personality.
It’s especially challenging when the uncomfortable interaction happens over and over again.
It’s draining to be the peacemaker, and the motivation just isn’t there.
But here are two ideas to help recharge your shalom personality.
Here’s the first idea:
Imagine that the annoying person you have to deal with is someone like the late Bruce Lee, the amazing martial artist and actor.
Pretty tough guy, right? With one karate chop he could take off your head!
Certainly you’d find the willpower to hold your tongue and be respectful. You’d ignore the insensitivity and overlook the insults, rather than get into a fight with Bruce Lee. You wouldn’t risk your life to make a snarky comeback… would you?
This tactic can help you find the strength to flex your shalom personality and patiently weather the difficult people in your life — even if they aren’t as scary as Bruce Lee.
We should always be reluctant to get into an argument with someone, no matter who they are.
Here’s the second idea:
For a more positive spin, imagine that the annoying person is a TV game show host, like Bob Barker from The Price is Right.
The point of this game show is to make it through an uncomfortable conversation without losing your cool. If you do, you win fabulous prizes, like a million dollars!
For a million dollars you could hold your tongue and be patient with even the most difficult people… couldn’t you?
Use these tactics to find the motivation to remain calm when you get provoked, even when it takes extra effort.
Try this today: Imagine that a million dollars will be deposited into your bank account tonight if you can remain calm and patient all day. Can you do it?