March 23 2018 – Click here to listen
Being around impulsive, impetuous people who cannot seem to control their temper and/or emotions is often not a pleasant experience. Unfortunately I have suffered with having a temper of legendary proportions for much of my life. As more and more grey hair appears on my head and wrinkles carve their way deeper into my face, I am pleased to see that more and more often I am able to control my emotions and temper in spite of turmoil and sometimes chaotic adversity. Some have called it getting mellow in my old age; however it is far more than that.
It has taken much hard work. This has been very difficult for me as I have had a wicked temper for as long as I can remember and controlling it has not been easy. It is compounded by the fact that I think very fast and making fast judgments is often not conducive to sound decision-making. Although I am still not 100% where I want to be, more and more often I find that I quietly think things through and reflect to myself on most situations prior to saying anything aloud.
It is somewhat comical to me now as I spend much of my time counseling and mentoring young hot-blooded and hot-headed managers to step back and take a deep breath and think things through before rushing to make a bad decision; (The kettle preaching to the pot syndrome.) If you are plagued with a hot temper or impulsive nature and rush to judgment, slow down. I have two signs prominently displayed on my desk, one by my telephone and one by my computer monitor. The signs simply say: THINK! I want to remind myself to think before I speak, and that includes speaking via e-mail.
I once had a boss that told me when I get mad at someone to sit down and write them a letter and tell them everything that I ever wanted to tell them including that I wanted them to know that I think they are a lowdown scoundrel and other words to that effect. Then he said to tear it up! I have never regretted following his advice on this subject. I have regretted disregarding it and sending the letter on more than one occasion. I try to keep a log of the most stupid blunders that I have ever made; blunders of this nature top the list. It is poignant that God gave us two ears and one mouth. We should listen twice as much as we speak . . .
This has been one of my top goals for self-improvement for several years. As one would imagine, the Bible has some encouragement regarding this subject.
Proverbs 17:27
He who has knowledge spares His words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
Even a fool is counted wise When he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips he is considered perceptive.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!