It seems at times, at least to me, that a culture of ME is becoming more and more prominent. I think my generation is more focused on themselves than my parents generation and I can see it happening even more so in the generation after mine. There is a large number of people who lack consideration for much outside their own needs, wants and ambitions. I don’t blame them I think we got the ball rolling somewhere along the way.
Being introspective and wanting to take care of yourself is great. It needs to happen to be able to give to your full potential. I think now it’s time to develop more of a balance, help yourself but help others too. Be more considerate.
How do we become more considerate?
It’s a matter of perspective. I find that when I am being inconsiderate I stop looking for other perspectives. When you assume that other people sense and experience things the way you do that’s when you stop considering how they feel. I try to take a mental step out of my body and ask myself, how does this person feel about X? What do they think about X?
Why should we be considerate?
For those people who just choose not to act in a way that could help someone here are 3 good reasons why you should:
- It will make you feel better. Seriously, I’m sure science backs this up with some explanation of a chemical release in your brain but I just know from experience.
- What goes around comes around. You will be waking up society one person at a time. When people realize their thoughts and feelings are being considered they are much more likely to pay it forward when the opportunity comes around because they are now aware of how much a little effort and acknowledgement goes.
- You’ll feel a greater sense of control in your life. By being considerate and taking action when you can in ways that will help someone out or make them feel better you are exerting a force and control over your life and the culture you live in. It is one of the only real ways people can influence the world around them in a meaningful way.
So why would we avoid being considerate?
We sometimes lose sight of long-term benefits and returns on our investment because there are so many ways to get instant gratification. It feels better today to sit home and take care of ourselves and it is much easier but tomorrow you’ll have that same feeling again. Considering someone’s circumstances and helping out may turn out to be something the both of you remember for a life time and for ever feel good when thinking back on your effort.
The Art Of Adaptation: Being considerate gives you long-lasting gratification.
