How to avoid personal pitfalls

Now it is very common at this point to start laying out a five to seven point plan on just how to avoid personal problems that lead to costly and potential relationship ending realities. But the fact is there are no foolproof plans. The reality is we each have to make our own decisions to safe guard our selves. We must choose to act wisely and think before we act but there is one very big step we can add to our lives that will benefit us more than we might ever think in safe guarding ourselves. We can choose to listen to truth.

Now just in case you have read one of a number of posts regarding “what is truth” let me address it. In this context truth is the perception and consideration of events surrounding you and adding you into the mix of these events. Truth is the honest evaluation of how you are acting as seen by someone who is not you. Truth is the review of your actions striped of your personal emotions and motivations and seen for just what they are.

Now in order for us to listen to truth we must understand something, the person speaking is on our side. If we do not believe that the person speaking to us is on our side we will not be inclined to actually listen and consciously hear what they are saying. The wounds of a friend are better than the kisses of an enemy.

The point is actually simple. If we are willing to be honest with one friend we know is willing to be honest with us, they are in a position to significantly keep us out of personal injury. They are in a position to warn us when and if they see us walking down a road to trouble and advise us of it before we actually cascade into the hole at the end of the road.

To avoid personal pitfalls we must be willing to listen to people we trust who are willing to tell us the truth. These relationships must be built and encouraged, yes they are hard work but they are also the greatest tool to help us see what we otherwise would blind ourselves to.

You probably have a number of friends, how many of those friends are close enough to speak the truth if you would let them? Build those friendships. Yes you might need a little thicker skin, but your future is worth the effort.

Blessings