I admit, reading this headline triggers a mixed response.
Much of my life has been automatic responding to external controls. Reading Dr. William Glasser’s book, Choice Theory, it’s abundantly clear that most human interpersonal relations are built on external control. Our culture is frantically searching for whom and to what is to blame for this mess.
I won’t wax philosophical or lecture you. That would be external control 😊
We must keep our Diamond Mining practical and small step accessible. If the only behavior we can truly control is our own, let’s start there. Resourceful questions, combined with small step, new response practice is the way to build new response~ability muscles.
For example:
Instead of “We are so divided”; Who can I listen to today? I mean, really listen to.
Instead of “This is a mess”; How can I put just a bit of order to this, today? What is one step I can take, today?
Here is what I am working on. I invite you to pick something for your field play.
I am finding at least 3 opportunities, every day to choose one Caring Habit where my reflex instantly goes to a deadly habit. Here is Dr. Glasser’s list. If you don’t agree with his, adjust or create your own.
Seven Caring Habits
- Supporting
- Encouraging
- Listening
- Accepting
- Trusting
- Respecting
- Negotiating Differences
Seven Deadly Habits
- Criticizing
- Blaming
- Complaining
- Nagging
- Threatening
- Punishing
- Bribing, rewarding in order to control
My truth statement to live into is “I am responsible”. When I make a choice automatically, my intention is to have compassion and ask:
What new choice is available to me? Begin again. I am doing my response~ability pushups.
I hope you accept this invitation and join me in the building responsibility gym.
As always, we’d love to hear from you.
– Diamond Mind Thomas
Tom@Rosenak.com
Schedule Diamond Mind Conversation
http://www.newconversationforchange.com
