And what if the other driver is a road rager? There’s a corollary to the rule that I started following—don’t be a part of their world.
The driver who is freaking out on your ass may have left a huge confrontation, or have one waiting for them at their destination; they may have a grandmother who’s dying, or their house may be on fire, or their grandmother may be on fire.
It doesn’t matter! I use to “teach people lessons” on the road. Now, I want nothing, NOTHING at all to do with them or their world, and will not engage with them. It really is quite easy. Driving has become deceptively calmer as a result.
Why get yourself between their rage and their destination?
Here is one I stick to: Treat people as you would like to be treated... I can't remember how many times I've bumped into people years later... you don't want think "ohhh sheeeeeeet 😀 I hope they don't remember last time"
I love the hack about being social. Years back after an emotional break-up I started going to social events and meeting new people. I made friends and met my girlfriend. It's simple really. No need for dating apps.
The weekend is where your future is built. I loved that one. I worked as an accountant for 3 years and was miserable. Every weekend I used every minute to work on creating the dream I am living now that allowed me to walk away from that accounting cubicle. Using the weekend to build your future is powerful and won't take you as long as you think if you just put your head down and focus.
Because of my anxiety and depression, I tend to fall into all or nothing thinking way too often, and get unnecessarily hard on myself (and others) if I don't do EVERYTHING I want to do in one day.
Now, I'm trying to see a little writing, folding a few pieces of clothing, or 30 minutes of exercise as progress towards the me I want to be.
These are all great! But my favorites are pictures and grandma. In fact, I'm thinking of starting a thirty-day picture challenge for grandmas! But - ugh - not on Instagram!
All of these are absolute gems. The one about alcohol is overdue! Most of the time I would rather have a Coke than a beer or cocktail, and it's simply a preference. The moment I do it though, people close enough to hear my order also order non-alcoholic drinks. It's like they didn't want to be the only one. So when out with a group with a recovering alcoholic, I sit next to them so they're not alone ordering iced tea.
The politics one is brilliant - it's futile wasting needless time on politics when, as you rightly say, no politician is going to save you from harsh structural problems. Focussing on yourself will be more fruitful!
I like the "grandma driver".
I use this model all the time, especially with a 1 year old in the car.
I have a good friend who needs this reminder! She is such a road rage!
And what if the other driver is a road rager? There’s a corollary to the rule that I started following—don’t be a part of their world.
The driver who is freaking out on your ass may have left a huge confrontation, or have one waiting for them at their destination; they may have a grandmother who’s dying, or their house may be on fire, or their grandmother may be on fire.
It doesn’t matter! I use to “teach people lessons” on the road. Now, I want nothing, NOTHING at all to do with them or their world, and will not engage with them. It really is quite easy. Driving has become deceptively calmer as a result.
Why get yourself between their rage and their destination?
It’s Tim Helena !
What do you mean?
Here is one I stick to: Treat people as you would like to be treated... I can't remember how many times I've bumped into people years later... you don't want think "ohhh sheeeeeeet 😀 I hope they don't remember last time"
A simple but effective tactic. Any others Mark?
lol, lots
I published the top 10 lessons I learned in my 20 as a content marketer earlier in the week, there is a few in there that can applied to life
I love the hack about being social. Years back after an emotional break-up I started going to social events and meeting new people. I made friends and met my girlfriend. It's simple really. No need for dating apps.
I used dating apps but that's because I'm lazy. Why do people rush to settle down?
Because it’s comfortable, I think.
Do the damn survey ...I asked for it when I am served
I send out surveys too. Will you do one Lewin?
Absolutely
The weekend is where your future is built. I loved that one. I worked as an accountant for 3 years and was miserable. Every weekend I used every minute to work on creating the dream I am living now that allowed me to walk away from that accounting cubicle. Using the weekend to build your future is powerful and won't take you as long as you think if you just put your head down and focus.
Love the idea of making friendship in adults and embracing the innerchild essence in us. A great lesson for growing and evolving 💓
These are all great hacks. In fact, I’d say some of them are more than hacks, and instead are more like protocols. Thanks for the post.
When people get angry in traffic, they go:
I'm right, I'm insulted, I know better than you.
Me, me, me...
When you think:
- They are having a baby
- The spouse just asked for a divorce
- The best friend just died
- Late for airport
You are filled with compassion and much happier.
I drive in grandma mode and love it.
Grandma mode? Damn. Will try that the next time I'm driving.
Think of everything you do as progress.
Because of my anxiety and depression, I tend to fall into all or nothing thinking way too often, and get unnecessarily hard on myself (and others) if I don't do EVERYTHING I want to do in one day.
Now, I'm trying to see a little writing, folding a few pieces of clothing, or 30 minutes of exercise as progress towards the me I want to be.
Thanks as always for your writing.
These are all great! But my favorites are pictures and grandma. In fact, I'm thinking of starting a thirty-day picture challenge for grandmas! But - ugh - not on Instagram!
Vicki
I love giving raving reviews on call center reviews! I like to say “give this person a RAISE!”
All of these are absolute gems. The one about alcohol is overdue! Most of the time I would rather have a Coke than a beer or cocktail, and it's simply a preference. The moment I do it though, people close enough to hear my order also order non-alcoholic drinks. It's like they didn't want to be the only one. So when out with a group with a recovering alcoholic, I sit next to them so they're not alone ordering iced tea.
The politics one is brilliant - it's futile wasting needless time on politics when, as you rightly say, no politician is going to save you from harsh structural problems. Focussing on yourself will be more fruitful!
I love the one about other drivers as grannies
SofaKing spot on!