365 Days of Living the Dale Carnegie Principles
Day 75. Wednesday, June 8, 2011
It was 5pm and “Gasoline with Match Lady” emailed. She was responding to my request for some information for a marketing campaign.
It felt like Monday all over again. Her email pretty much indicated I was wrong to ask for the information.
This time, I did not pick up the phone for a fight with her. Instead, I sent an email indicating I’d call her on Thursday morning. By the time I call her tomorrow—we will both be well rested and with open minds.
Mmmm.... cookies
I proceeded to drive home, have dinner, write a blog, bake cookies, go to the gym, etc, etc. The key here is that I did not dwell on the silly behavior of “Gasoline with Match Lady”. I put the ordeal in a day-tight compartment—and I moved on to have a very pleasant evening. A year ago—I would have let “Gasoline with Match Lady” or anyone else determine the outcome of my day. Not anymore.
The Dale Carnegie principles I used in this story are from How to Stop Worrying and Start Living:
Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth and refuse to give it more.
Live in “day-tight compartments.”
Don’t fuss about trifles.
My lesson to you—remember that you determine the outcome of your day. You might have a person in your life that drives you nuts. The frustration the person causes is not worth your time, health or happiness. The best way to change your perspective is to put the issue in a day-tight compartment. Then work on protecting and creating your happiness by keeping busy. By day’s end, you can look back with a sense of pride knowing you didn’t let a silly person’s behavior get the best of you.
Housekeeping / Notes
Today is your bonus day! Guest Blogger Elijah found an opportunity to use a Dale Carnegie principle while at a stop sign. Read now!
