How many people have crossed your path today?

Think about your day up until now. If you stopped to grab a coffee on your way to work, what did you say to the barista?

When you walked into the office this morning, what was your attitude when talking to your not-so-favorite coworker?

When that guy in the white Prius cut you off on the highway and made you spill your hot coffee all over your lap, what did you yell at him?

All of these opportunities present us with a choice. You can’t always control your initial reaction, but you do have the power to control your second action. And all of the actions after that.

You can't control the actions of others, but you can control your own.

Here are 3 ways you can help make the world a little better by being a little better.

Set Aside Your Personal Agenda

When you are having a conversation with someone in your life, are you fully focused on what they are saying to you? Or are you maybe focused on all of the tasks you need to do instead?

Your agenda is important. Your plan for the day matters. But fully listening to the person in front of you has the power to change their day.

Start by clearing your mind of all the tasks you are focused on. Then, open your mind and see the person that is in front of you.

Don’t just look through them. Don’t treat them as though they’re an obstacle in your way, but treat them as the person they are. People are people, not windows to look through.

We don’t completely and fully listen to the people in our life very often. We are usually coming up with a response, thinking of a related story, or half-ignoring them while doing something more important.

Imagine someone giving you their undivided attention. Feeling heard and valued is powerful. You have the power to help the people in your life feel that way.

Understand Their Story

When people briefly cross your path, you likely won’t know many details about their life. But consider these details for yourself anyway.

The person in front of you – the barista, your coworker, someone at the grocery store – has a family who cares about them, thoughts, strong opinions, and an entire life story that is important.

So ask yourself these questions:

How are they doing?
If they’re married, is their marriage going well?
Did they have a good morning?
How’s their relationship with their kids or friends?
What’s going on in their life?

These questions will help you shift your perspective and treat the person in front of you a little differently (and hopefully more kindly, too).

Restrain Your Judgments

You do this a lot. Even if it’s unconsciously, you judge people often.

You see someone and assess what they’re wearing, what they sound like, what they smell like, what they’re doing, and so many more things.

But pause for a moment. Push away those early judgments and see the person in front of you with a clean slate. You can’t quit completely, but with each encounter, try to see the person in front of you for what they are – a human being.

Keep me updated!

If any of these tips resonated with you, I want to know! Send me a text and let me know which one you implemented during a conversation you had this week.