As adults, we are now living in the “real world” full of real stress and real struggles. Our biggest worries no longer include what color crayons we’re going to use and if we’ll have a date for prom. In the real world, we are learning how to navigate our stress and where to focus our time and energy to be the most successful versions of ourselves.
But what we don’t always account for is when we are faced with decisions of being thoughtful and kind, or disrespectful and inconsiderate.
It typically is so much easier for us to take advantage of those around us, to use them for our own gain, and to be selfish when we want our own way. But does that actually push us forward to success?
Here’s a scenario for you. You have two major projects due at work and you’re on a time crunch to get them done by the end of the week. You’re working with a team to complete the projects by a deadline, and as it nears, two of your team members decide that they would rather spend the last few days of the week scrolling through social media and watching youtube videos instead of helping finish the projects. They know that the rest of the team will pick up their slack and that it will all get done. But unfortunately, their inconsiderate choice of activities ends up creating more work for you and the other team members and adds multiple hours to your already long day at work.
Is this kind? Does this make them look good or show others that they’re serious about their job? No, it shows that success isn’t important to them and that they would rather be selfish with their time and energy than be responsible and mindful of those around them.
To truly be successful adults (and really just to do the right thing), we must not be so self-focused and self-absorbed that we aren’t putting the needs of others above our own. It is so important to take into consideration what our actions are reflecting on ourselves and how they are affecting those around us.