People often say to me that I am so calm. They say nothing seems to rattle you. Here’s the thing, there are lots of things that bother me, but I know I can choose how to behave towards what’s happening. It is not always easy, but I have learned that getting upset only hurts me. I feel good inside when I handle a situation. Here is an example:
I have an ongoing mix up with an organization that will remain nameless. Now trying to reach them is like giving up your life for a day and then not sure if you will actually talk with someone. So today, I deliberately set aside this morning to finally reach an agent. They told me the best time to call is at the beginning or end of the day. I waited 15 minutes – not too bad.
I was put on hold three times for 4 minutes but through all that I believe I was getting my message through. Did I feel like upsetting myself and the agent – yes but that would get me nowhere. Finally, by choosing patience I learned something new. Did you know that learning something new satisfies the need for fun? By the time the call was over it was about 1 hr and 5min. I thanked the agent, and I think I got somewhere.
Then not even an hour later, I get another call from another agent. My scales tipped out of balance . I was still trying to get some breakfast. However, I chose patience again. Was I feeling frustrated? Yes, I was but it would not serve me to yell or do any other behavior. By the time I finished the second call, the agent said to me: “Thank-you for being so patient! I responded Your welcome: it is not that it has not be tested! We both laughed. I could tell he really wanted to get this cleared up for me.
It is sad that while waiting a message is saying to please be patient and kind when talking with the agent and that abuse will not be tolerated.
Would you like to learn how to be calm in a given situation, how to choose your responses so you. Feel good after? My mentor/teacher Dr. William Glasser taught me a long time ago that I cannot control what happens to me, but I can control how I respond to it.
When you understand how the mind works and the difference between Internal and external control and the choices you can choose. Life suddenly becomes easier. Join us this September 19, 2025 for the first level of the international certification program in Choice Theory. Find out more here and contact me: www.choicetheorytraining.com
