Saturday, February 07, 2009

Change the way you Act and you'll change what you Get

Read the Title again. Isn't it true? Change the way you act and you'll change what you get.

I get many complains from students who say that their parents nag at them too much, too controlling, cannot go out with friends, cannot play computer games, cannot watch TV, cannot go to the movies and NO FREEDOM!

Do you have the same complain?

Then the question I always ask these students is, "Why do you think your parents are treating you this way?" The answer I inevitably get: "I don't know." But do you know the answer? I would tell them the answer: "It is because of YOU!" Then they will give me a stunned look on their faces.

But isn't it true?

The reason your parents or teachers or friends treat you in a certain way is because of the way you act. When you behave maturely, they will treat you maturely. When you behave like a kid, they will treat you like a kid. When you act like you can't take care of yourself, they treat you like you need someone to take care of you. When you act like you lack discipline, they will discipline you. Simple as that.

As mentioned in my book, The Joys & Pains of Growing Up, your parents are merely responding to the way you act. The people around you are responding to the way you act. Change the way you act and you'll change what you get.

If you don't like what you are getting, then change your behaviour. Change your actions. Don't complain about how others is treating you. Look at yourself first.

Have you heard of the definition of insanity? There is an old definition that says: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Then I think we should ask ourselves: "Are we doing the same things over and over again and expecting a different result?" "Are we behaving the same old way and expecting our parents to treat us differently?" I have a strong feeling that they won't. Expecting that would be insanity, wouldn't it?

It won't be easy to change. But I believe that it would be even worse to get the same kind of treatment everyday of your life. The trade-off was worth it for me. What about you?

Change the way you act and YOUR LIFE, WILL NEVER, EEEEEEEEEEE.....................EEEEEEE.................EEVER, BE THE SAME AGAIN!!!