"Always take things by the smooth handle." ~Thomas Jefferson
On the heels of the previous episodes "Nobody Cares," "Hypnotized," and "YOU," which all focused inwardly, this week's mind bullet shifts to look at THEM—other people.
Nobody Cares looked at the idea that we're all carrying burdening stories we needn't be lugging around; Hypnotized examined how we convince ourselves that certain self-defeating stories are true; and You emphasized that the best way to improve the world is to improve yourself.
While improving ourselves is always the first part of the equation, we can't do it alone. We have to understand how to work with others.
Thomas Jefferson once said, "Always take things by the smooth handle." This means that when dealing with other people, instead of trying to force your way and lobby for your cause, try to understand their point of view and work with them.
Benjamin Franklin was a great example of taking things by the smooth handle, as explained in Walter Isaacson's excellent biography. Ben would always take great care when promoting his ideas, doing everything he could to take the smoothest handle possible and present his ideas without ego or judgment.
When dealing with others, we need to take a page out of Franklin and Jefferson's playbook. Too often, ego gets involved; people want to lobby their own causes and opinions, pushing forward with their own biases, rather than sitting back and seeking to understand the viewpoints of others.
Listen in for more on taking the smooth handle in your interactions with others, and how removing yourself from bickering and drama will lighten your mental load as you strive for goal achievement.
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TOOLS/BOOKS WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND:
Grab your FREE copy of As a Man Thinketh (PDF) right here: As a Man Thinketh
The 3 C's of SucCcess (Mitch W. Steel) The Psychology of Achievement (Brian Tracy)
The Power of Positive Thinking (Normal Vincent Peale)
The Magic of Thinking BIG! (David Schwartz)
Think & Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill)
The Success Principles (Jack Canfield)
Getting Things Done! (Allen's Great Book!)
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The Habit Factor® (website: BLOG, tips, tools and other resources)
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