Volume 2, Issue 3

The 24 hour Rule

What difference can a day make? It can make all the difference in the world.

How many times, have you regretted something you’ve said or done – later wishing you had another chance to do things differently?

Well, this month, I’m encouraging you to make the 24 hour rule part of your strategy for dealing with difficult people or situations.

How does it work?

First of all, when you are challenged by someone, or something, do not react, I’ll repeat that – do not react.

The first thing I’d like you to do is:

Recognize that the offending person has one motive, and that is to help you become the best person you can be - no matter what they say or do. (Refer to Issue 5 Volume 1 - Life is not a dress rehearsal for a refresher

Ask yourself, (in your head is better than out loud – you’ll look a little nutty if you start talking to yourself) how will I feel tomorrow, if I say or do what I’m thinking right now?

Give yourself the gift of 24 hours. There’s no better fix to conflict and upset, than time and space.

Now, here’s the tricky part. For the next 24 hours, don’t think about what the person said or did. Instead, I want you to ask yourself:

1. “what was it that caused me to feel what I was feeling in that moment? Did this person say something that was true, but in the moment I didn’t want to hear it?

2. Did this person activate one of my programs (refer to Issue 1 Volume 2 - Happy New You) if you don’t know what I’m referring to).

3. Was I just having a bad day, and this person happened to be the one that stepped on my last nerve.

Whatever your answer, I’ll guarantee, if you give yourself the gift of 24 hours, chances are things won’t seem as important or serious as they did they day before.

The 24 hour rule, is a first aid solution to most difficult situations. You can take it with you wherever you go.

Namaste