You can’t make this stuff up…
From Microsoft’s website… What to do when your computer randomly plays “It’s a Small, Small World”
http://support.microsoft.com//default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;261186
Handling criticism
Been silent for too long. Trying to catch up with work after spending time enjoying the kid for a while. I enjoy writing and have several things going on in my brain to get out but just haven’t taken the time to do so recently.
I, like most, have a hard time dealing with criticism. Some might say I have a harder time than most. Nobody likes to be wrong and nobody likes their flaws pointed out. Knowing this, I must make a better effort in my criticism of others. All too often in life, I’ve found the easiest way to build myself up in my own eyes is to point out other’s flaws. Not an easy admission nor issue to overcome. I’m working on it.
If done right, I suppose Constructive Criticism can work. But it’s rarely done right. My 7th grade English teacher was great at talking up constructive criticism but I never felt any better when she handed my papers back with red marks all over them and grades that wouldn’t find me excited to show them off at home. I’m not good at giving constructive criticism and apparently not good at receiving it either.
Either way, I came across an article this evening on receiving criticism and one of the quotes stuck out:
A man interrupted one of the Buddha’s lectures with a flood of abuse. Buddha waited until he had finished and then asked him, ‘If a man offered a gift to another but the gift was declined, to whom would the gift belong?’
‘To the one who offered it,’ said the man.
‘Then,’ said the Buddha, ‘I decline to accept your abuse and request you to keep it for yourself.’
Not into Buddhism but I thought it was an interesting way to look at criticism. Sometimes criticism is needed, sometimes (usually when directed from me) it isn’t. When it isn’t, maybe there’s something to not accepting what has been said.
To all I’ve affected negatively with my criticism, I apologize. I’m working on it.
100 things
Making “top ten” lists is all the rage these days. Magazine (print and web) articles, blog entries, Letterman, to-do lists, etc. You can find them on anything:
- Top 3 sushi joints within a 3 block radius of my house
- Top 10 countries I never knew existed
- Top 5,000,000 things I’d rather do than be forced into conversation with Tom Cruise
The only lists that I find myself making regularly are task lists of things I have to do for any given day/week/month. A new site I have come across recently, www.rememberthemilk.com, even helps me in the list creation but hasn’t yet formulated a way for me to get all of my tasks crossed off. Maybe someday.
Today, while eating my lunch and attempting to dwindle down my feeds (most of which I never read) I came across an article directed at freelancers talking about 80% of all business owners close shop within 5 years. The author’s take on it was that it is possible they have forgotten why they started their business in the first place. Money, while a factor, doesn’t have to be/shouldn’t be the only factor in stepping out on your own. His recommendation was to set down and write out the 100 things you would like to do/see/partake in/participate in/visit/etc and add to that list when a new thought arises.
I thought this was an interesting task and not only so for small business owners/freelancers of the world. What would your 100 things be? Could you come up with 100 right off the start? Would they all revolve around the money required to accomplish them?
I am thinking of starting my ‘100’ list soon. I might even publish it as I go.
Just add it to my to-do list.
I wish I had the time to update…
This blog has been neglected for far too long and it doesn’t look like it is going to get any better soon. The following are a couple of things I have seen recently that made me laugh a little. Thought I’d share…
On my way to do some work near Love Field (and yes, I got my camera out to take multiple pictures while I was driving):
Old Mercedes, compensating for something, will now be referred to as “Chaser of Ambulances”
Spending some (paid) time scouring for new ideas:
Website template, designed for Home/Business Security Systems, not a hint racism detected.
If you have five minutes
This ebay listing is worth a read. A pack of Pokemon cards probably sells for $2.50 but the story that goes with the cards is at least going to net the owner $103 (at the time of this posting). 44 bids, almost 900 watchers, and 14,000 comments for this lady to respond to.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675