Don’t Take Anything Personally

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I recently read The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz.  One of the agreements is Don’t take anything personally. don Miguel Ruiz further shares that, “nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.”

This struck a chord with me as we prepare for a new academic year and will be welcoming, transitioning and learning from new staff members, students and their parents.  It will be most evident in the short term on move-in day.  We  need to remember the anxiety, frustration, excitement and pleasure that families experience may not really have to do with the traffic, condition of their room, roommate matching or on duty schedule.

It’s easy to say be “immune to opinions and actions of others” but if you know you did your best, considered the impact of your actions on others and can see the bigger picture – than the reactions of others likely isn’t a reflection of you or your work.

How do you remain focused on the issue at hand versus the reaction of those involved?