As regularly readers of this blog will know we’ve worked really hard to create an awesome atmosphere at RISE.
We have a great community of like minded people who have fun together and achieve awesome results together.
We don’t just work with anyone with a wallet and pulse like most do.
That atmosphere is, by far, our most valuable asset.
Part of the reason for all these emails (as well to help, of course) is to put off people who probably wouldn’t be a good fit for what we do.
If you don’t like what we say in these emails you won’t like what we say in real life.
As they’re the same thing.
Doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with anyone that doesn’t like us and what we’ve got to say.
That’s their choice, of course.
They’re just into different stuff, have different opinions, beliefs and ways of doing things.
No right or wrong.
I’ve heard members say they like that their are no ‘bell ends’ or ‘dickheads’ at RISE.
Which is cool in someways.
But I’ve found over the years that dropping the habit of labelling people is a great way to improve your happiness.
Accepting that people who don’t share the same outlook as you are entitled to their opinions and aren’t arses / tits / annoying is surprisingly rewarding.
We’ve mentioned many times before that it’s human nature to go for black and white.
You either ‘can’ or ‘can’t’ do something.
Do or don’t have time for it.
With no shades of grey in between.
Ie: “I can do it but not as often as I’d like”
Or “I’m not very good at it, but I can do it”
Labelling people is another example of this ‘dichotomous thinking’.
Grouping everyone who doesn’t think the same as us as ‘tossers’ does us a disservice.
There’s plenty of people out there who don’t share mine and Matt’s opinions.
And we’ve been described by some these people as ‘tossers’, ‘bell ends’, etc.
I’ve had people who’ve never met me and don’t know anything about me PM on Facebook with the most horrible comments you can imagine.
I know I’m not a ‘tosser’.
I’m not perfect, I’m sure.
But I think I’m generally a good guy.
To dismiss everything about me and reduce me to a single label because of something ‘they’ve heard’ does me a disservice I think.
If I were to describe these people in the same way, I’d sink to their level.
Anyhoo, give it a go.
Next time you find yourself tempted to label someone in some way, have a go at just reframing that to “they have a different opinion / beliefs / priorities to me”.
And see how that helps, over time, with clarity, focus and general happiness.
I promise you I feel much happier now I don’t label people – the negativity just drags you down!
Much love,
Jon ‘Sometimes call my youngest son Jables’ Hall and Matt ‘Tables’ Nicholson
