What You Put Out Will Come Back!

Be a Hero

Are you one of those people that other people always come to with their problems? It’s easy to become frustrated when your day is interrupted by a crisis you didn’t know existed until now. There are a couple of “attitude adjustments” that might help you cope when you don’t feel like rescuing someone again.

First, be aware of why you are the one being approached for help. In all likelihood, you’re a savior because you’re good at it! People don’t ask for help from those in whom they have no trust. So start out by realizing that you have a talent, one that others recognize, appreciate, and want to exploit!

Second, be aware that solving dilemmas is what makes you valuable and gives you a sense of worth. There’s nothing better than being necessary to give your ego a little boost! When someone approaches you with the crisis-du-jour, don’t shoot the messenger. This is your opportunity to shine up your armor!

Done properly, you shouldn’t have to drop everything to solve the problem immediately. You can gently accept the challenge by saying, “I’ll be able to devote time to this problem and focus on a solution once I’ve given this current project a little more treatment.” That should make a reasonable person quite happy, without your having to resent a lack of time to perform. Establishing some ground rules right away will prevent others from taking advantage of you and your capabilities.

Above all, patience and cooperation are virtues, on both sides of the table. Ben Ames Williams observed that “life is the acceptance of responsibilities or their evasion; it is a business of meeting obligations or avoiding them. To every man the choice is continually being offered, and by the manner of his choosing you may fairly measure him.” Choose to help, on your terms and in your own time.