Wednesday, April 1, 2009

How to Win Friends and Influence People

I am reading Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." You are asked to read the book in a certain way. Read a chapter through, then return and re-read the chapter, this time marking ideas that strike you.

I read through chapter one yesterday and started through the second time this morning. The principle in this chapter is "Don't criticize, condemn or complain." Carnegie shares stories from Lincoln and Teddie Roosevelt explaining how they made mistakes in dealing with other people. Since I've read this book before this wasn't new to me. I don't really see myself doing this to other people. I don't get in some one's face and list all the things they've done wrong or tell them how awful they are.

Then I had a thought, there was a person that I did do that to; on a regular basis, without mercy. MYSELF. I expect perfection from me, when I don't hold anyone else in my life to that same standard. Why?

I realized that I needed to treat myself like I treat other people. I should value myself as much as I value someone else.

The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others. ~Sonya Friedman