"Don't carry a grudge; while you're carrying a grudge,
the other person is out dancing."
- Buddy Hackett
It seems that many people today are hyper-sensitive. They take offense easily and quickly demand an apology.
Recently I was listening to a podcast by Rick Warren. He said, "Decide to be unoffendable." I thought that was a great idea. I tried it, and by golly, it worked!
The greatest of all freedoms we have as humans is the freedom to choose our attitude. Being offended takes up unnecessary emotion and space in our lives. It hurts us more than the other person.
Here are three simple ways to become unoffendable.
1. Don't take things personally.
I recently went into a company to provide an all-day workshop. Within 5 minutes of arrival, an employee asked: "Are you our trainer today?" I told him I was. He said, "Well, make it quick. I don't have time for this nonsense."
Why should that offend me? He didn't even know me. Clearly, there is something going on with him. All I can do is deliver the best training that I can.
2. Focus on what you can control.
When I see someone is driving like a maniac, I immediately think"Justice! He needs to be pulled over!" But why let that person throw me off my game? There is very little I can do about it as he speeds ahead.
Decide to resign yourself from being the general manager of the universe and focus on improving yourself rather than disapproving of others.
3. Decide to be the kind of person you want to be, regardless of others.
Be consistently kind and respectful. Why? Because the other person deserves it? Not necessarily, but because you are a kind and respectful person.
I am not suggesting that we should be passive. We should step into difficult situations when appropriate. I am simply saying that we shouldn't carry around bitterness and resentment. It makes life harder.
No one can hurt you without your permission. Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket.