We often set out to make major changes in our lives and never realize that small changes are the ones that can get you moving. The current podcast episode provides a few small changes that will reduce stress and give you instant results.
Have you ever given someone a hard time and then wondered why they were not that eager to help you later? This is the episode for you! Often people depend on grand gestures to grease the wheels of cooperation or make their lives a little better, when it is actually small gestures that get the job done. Most people fail to realize that Anthropologists have studied cultures all over the world and the one constant is the concept of “reciprocity”: If I do a small thing for you, then you will be willing to return the favor.
The following are a few small gestures that carry big impact both for yourself and those around you.
Tone
When talking to others we hear the words we’re saying but somehow the tone in which it is said often fails to come through for us in real time. Something quite innocent can have a totally different meaning if we were to hear it played back. That is part of the reason two people in an encounter will have two totally different interpretations of what was said. A very typical example is given in the podcast but I’ll cut to the chase and state: how you say something is almost as important as what you said. Before you begin a conversation stop for a moment, analyze the situation, and then actively decide what is the tone you want this person to hear. Even when you are angry, you’ll find you get more done with a tone that describes the problem yet indicates a desire to get things done in the simplest way possible rather than blaming and shouting.
Have a positive mental place to go during times of stress
You’re having a bad day and it seems no matter what you do to right the ship, it refuses to be righted. The usual impulse is to give in to a sense of hopelessness and negative feelings which sap your productivity. Recalling a pleasant place or a fun time breaks this chain of thought when you allow yourself to see, smell, and feel all the sensations you remember from that time. In no time it begins to serve as a mental reset button you can use to get back on track.
Collect some Karma points
Focusing on others actually helps you. A small act of kindness provides those around you with a good feeling, and the wonderful thing about it is that you also feel good about how YOU made them feel. A double bonus is that you also can expect reciprocity (that good ole return the favor). Going for coffee? Surprise someone and get their favorite. The glow you receive from their gratitude is an emotional energy boost that will lighten any bad day.
So there you have it. It’s not rocket science but does work wonders and you will find yourself refocused and your spirit lifted. Believe it or not, that is half the battle. I would love to hear any suggestions others might have of small things you’ve tried that yield big dividends. I’ll owe you one.
If you liked the show, be sure to subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. If you really liked it, be sure to write a review. It helps the show.