"The most important meeting we have is the meeting we have with ourselves."
- James McPartland
We all get frustrated and disappointed, and we all have felt anger. We sometimes get angry with others because we assume they are clear on our expectations, however, there is always a high probability they are not.
How about we consider that anger is another word for fear – fear that something you want will be out of reach or fear that you may lose something.
When anger arises do all you can to hit your internal “pause” button. Ask yourself:
What might I be afraid of here?
Have I been clear about my expectations?
Am I projecting onto someone an ability, skill, or set of priorities that are not truly their own? Is my frustration, disappointment, or anger in another person simply a reflection of me?
Is it possible that what I am upset about is something that represents something I need to work on, improve, eliminate, or come to terms with?
I know that the recognition of saying something we wish we hadn’t, whether in an email, voicemail, or in person, comes after we say it.
Practice the “pause” – consider what the true meaning of your frustration may really mean, and take a few minutes before engaging another human being.
The most important meeting we have is the meeting we have with ourselves. Even if it only lasts 5 minutes, make time for this important meeting. You, and those around you, will likely be very happy that you did.
