How do you engage the world? The attitude you choose determines how the world responds to you. Assuming Goodwill towards others goes a long way towards changing the world around you.
So what is Goodwill? Well, Ill-will would be wish wishing harm on others. Goodwill becomes having a positive and affirming attitude towards the people you meet. Assuming Goodwill would be CHOOSING a positive and affirming attitude with each situation you encounter- before it happens!
Do you do that?
When the phone rings at work, what is the thought that goes through your head right before you answer? Or when your supervisor schedules an unanticipated team meeting, what is the story you tell yourself? Is the person who just cut you off in traffic really trying to kill you? Is the person checking out your groceries at the super market lesser of a person than you? Pick your favorite stereotype – “Millennials are so…”, “Pittsburgh fans are so…”, “The government is out to…” – The stereotype we choose for each group dictates our initial response.
It is important to note that whether you are using Ill-will or assuming Goodwill – you are making a choice each time. The data to support this is the person next to you is frequently choosing something different in the same situation (Ask a Pittsburgh fan). If it is true that you are choosing, then that means you have the ability to choose something different. To be clear, I am not talking about trust. It is possible to assume goodwill with someone you don’t trust (what would THAT look like?).
What does choosing Goodwill look like for you? With whom are you not assuming Goodwill? How would you appear different in the world if you chose Goodwill once or twice more each day? – www.rhoadscoaching.com
finding meaning and purpose in daily life