Control what you can control

[jbsoonerfan]

I had a talk with my girls after practice today. Sometimes I just ramble and they probably don't listen to half of what I actually say. But, today I said something that I probably needed to hear more than they did. I told them they needed to control what they can control. I told them that 99% of the time the only thing you can control is your attitude. You can choose to be positive and a good teammate, or you can choose to be negative and a bad teammate. No matter what happens on the field, you can ALWAYS be a good person. I have been sitting here thinking about what I told them and I decided that I should apply that to my everyday life. We wake up each morning and we make a decision as to what kind of "teammate" we are going to be. I am as guilty as the next person of getting upset or mad (sometimes rightfully so) at someone in the grocery store or wherever. But, I am going to try my best to be positive from here on out. I know most of you guys are great people who probably treat people with respect, but just think about it the next time you want to be rude or dismissive to someone. I might have just made this post to remind myself to be a better person on a daily basis.

[throttleplate]

i was at a stoplight yesterday and a car with people in the back seat threw their candy wrappers out the window. I was tempted to get out and comfront them but wife calmed me down.

[jbsoonerfan]

3 minutes ago, throttleplate said:

i was at a stoplight yesterday and a car with people in the back seat threw their candy wrappers out the window. I was tempted to get out and comfront them but wife calmed me down.

Sometimes it's not worth it. I was riding with my wife the other day and a guy cut her off, almost hitting her and he had the audacity to honk and flip her off. I stuck my hand out the window and flipped him off. He pulled in to a convenience store and I told her to pull in. She said it wasn't worth it. I'm glad she is smarter than I am. 

[gim]

8 hours ago, throttleplate said:

i was at a stoplight yesterday and a car with people in the back seat threw their candy wrappers out the window. I was tempted to get out and comfront them but wife calmed me down.

I've thought about doing something like this many times when I see people tossing their cigarette butts wherever.

 

As far as the what the OP says, yes its true, control what you can.  In terms of bass fishing, I can control my gear and tackle so that its properly working and has a minimal chance of failing.  Preparation is a method of control.  I can't control the weather or make the fish bite though.

[LrgmouthShad]

I think habits are a foundation of behavior. So, yes, focusing on having a positive attitude is very beneficial, but it can be made easier if you are always in that 'zone' through what you are doing. It's looking at "what do I need to achieve?" and "how can I better prepare myself to achieve it?" or "how should I treat people?" and "how do I build habits to treat people better?" Winning mindset. I don't think the approach of "I'm just going to do [insert your goal here]" without any planning works well. At least for me. I need momentum and foresight.

[Mike L]

@jbsoonerfan 

What you’re trying to teach those kids could change their lives!

Being wound up with a short fuse is hurt full on so many levels. 
Yeah it’s a way to let off steam, but if it’s not directed and channeled it will eat you up from the inside out. 
 

For too many years patience and compassion we’re not one of my greatest attributes.
Retaliation and over reaction was my answer to most everything. 

To “Control what you can Control” takes discipline which so many kids just don’t have. 

You’re a good teacher. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

[DitchPanda]

I had one of those come to Jesus talks with my PM and GM at work probably 6-8 months ago...but I initiated it without them bringing it up. I pulled them both into an office and said I know I've been rude and unapproachable but I'm sick of being an as#$%&@ to everybody because it just ruins relationships and I become part of the problem instead of the solution. They both commended me saying it takes alot of character to admit to this behaviour and we appreciate you being upfront with us. Since then I find myself having more productive, enjoyable conversations with co-workers and also getting ticked less and less often.

[flyfisher]

This is something that I focus on with my students, and myself, every year.  Control what you can control and don't worry about what you cannot.