How To Approach Annoying People and Situations

“If you don’t get the lesson, it shows up wearing another pair of pants—or skirt—to give you some remedial work.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

“Why does my pesky co-worker keep asking me to teach her the same task over and over?” “How come my cousin never comes to my defense when I’m faced with conflict?” “Why is my friend such a scatterbrain? You won’t believe what she did!”

I’ve been asked these and other questions by people frustrated with everything from co-workers to relatives.

If you’ve been in a similar situation, here’s an approach that benefits you and the other person.

Seek First To Understand
You may not always know what someone has experienced or is experiencing in his or her life or why s/he acts in a certain way. Perhaps the co-worker who repeatedly requests your help is fearful of making mistakes and sees you as someone s/he can trust to help overcome the situation.

When you take the time to treat others with patience and understanding, rather than with judgments and criticisms, the same comes back to you and the other person remembers you for how you treated him or her.

It’s Not About Them, It’s About You
Your frustrating experiences are usually not about the other person. Quite often they are about how YOU choose to respond in those moments. Do you treat others with kindness and respect? Do you treat them like they matter? Or do you see them as idiots who deserve your ire?

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

All of humanity is faced with situations that test us and build our character. When you choose to respond with anger, impatience, or disrespectfulness, the lesson (patience, respect, understanding, humility...) continues to show up until it is learned.

This concept can be difficult for some to grasp. “You don’t understand,” they’ll say, “this person is taking up my time…making my life miserable…inconveniencing me…” So they continue to respond in the same manner while wondering why such frustrating situations persist.

Certainly you get to set boundaries so others treat you fairly and respectfully. Even so, you can choose to resolve situations respectfully.

The next time you are faced with an "annoying" person or frustrating situation, stop and think of the other person and choose how you will respond to him or her. Remember, s/he is your fellowman. And ask yourself what lesson you may be learning in that moment.

Powerful Life Lessons from 5 of Ali’s Toughest Opponents

"We all lose in life…we can lose or lives, our eyesight, our health. And you just have to learn to live with these conditions and keep going." -Muhammad Ali

Facing Ali

In the film Facing Ali, Muhammad Ali’s story is told from the perspective of his most notable opponents including Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, and George Foreman.

Ten heavyweight champions candidly share their Ali experiences as well as their personal tragedies and triumphs. Their riveting accounts demonstrate why they are champions both in and out of the ring. Here are five lessons I extracted from their intriguing stories.

George Foreman: Knowing Your Why
According to George Foreman, the global admiration Ali received from fans gave him a much bigger reason to be a fighter. Beyond being "The Greatest," Ali was admired for his courage and convictions. "He found something to fight for other than money and championship belts. And when that person finds something like that, you can’t hardly beat them," explains Foreman. When your why runs deeper than money, you become unstoppable.

Also see the video: What is Your Why

George Chuvalo: The Importance of Love
Through a series of painful experiences, George Chuvalo lost his wife and three sons. With the love and support of his friends and family, he overcame those difficult times. More than ever Chuvalo realized the importance of love. “I remember articulating to myself how love makes you feel. Love makes you feel strong. Love makes you feel tender. Love makes you feel secure. Love makes you feel appreciated. Love makes you feel important. We all have to feel like that,” says Chuvalo.

Ken Norton: Overcoming Poverty & Paralysis
Early in his boxing career Ken Norton was a poor, single father. “There were times that a gourmet meal for me and my son was a hot dog,” says Norton. He was literally hungry for success. Norton went on to defeat Ali in what was dubbed one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. In 1986, he was seriously injured in a car crash. He suffered multiple injuries and remained paralyzed for three years before learning to walk again. Norton proves that through hard work, will, and sheer determination you can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Larry Holmes: Appreciate Who You Are
"I wish I was smarter than I am. But if I could write and read and spell as good as everybody else that got a college education, I wouldn’t be who I am." Larry Holmes is now a businessman. He is grateful for the path he has traveled because without those experiences he would not be who he is today. Similarly, we must be grateful for our experiences—even if they do not seem ideal—because they shape and strengthen us, and take us where we want to go.

Also see: Gratitude During Difficult Times

Ron Lyle: Patience is a Virtue
A hard prison life and a near-death experience were a part of Ron Lyle’s existence. His experiences in the prison yard and in the ring gave him valuable, enduring perspectives. "Fighting isn’t about how big and strong you are. Fighting is about how patient you are," says Lyle. In life, winning takes patience. No matter how talented you are it takes patience to realize your goals and dreams. Without patience you may miss golden opportunities.

These battle-tested warriors are proof that every step of life’s journey is meaningful and that you can overcome your toughest challenges through your attitude, beliefs, strength of character, and the love of others.

Which Ali opponent has inspired you with their story?

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