I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.
Today’s tip is to look for the good in others and notice their strengths.
This can be challenging when you disagree with someone, but it is helpful to stop and think about others, even when you agree with them. The world has been polarized in many ways during the pandemic, so it is helpful to stop and change your view.
I have been trying to do this with one of the kids I coach. Often I might have an impression of the kids’ effort level, desire, even how well they listen. At the same time, I have empathy that this moment isn’t always representative of them.
For one kid, they haven’t always seemed to be focused, and haven’t had much effort after the holidays. I remind myself to stop and appreciate that this person still shows up, they do have some strengths, and I need to praise and appreciate those. I can try to get them to work on others, but pausing to appreciate the good helps me stay balanced in how I view them.