Identify Problems So You Can Nip Them Quickly

Knowing your top priorities is key in deciding which problems to address in your life.
A challenge to one person might be a neutral issue to another.
Or when we are unclear about what's most important to us, we address lesser issues, and stress ourselves and our relationships.
Or the reverse is true.
We are so out of touch with ourselves, we fail to recognize when an important value has been violated in our lives, and we overlook offensive behavior altogether.
So, how do you get in touch with yourself? Spend time observing how you interact with co-workers, situations, family and friends.
What makes you angry or irritated? List your desires or goals you want to achieve.
What behaviors from others injure your self-worth? What issues capture your attention? Where do you feel your unexpressed anger? If you are experiencing physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, body aches, insomnia, or an upset stomach, for instance, this can be an indicator it's past time to have that confrontational conversation with the person who is violating your value system.
Also, feedback from family members and co-workers is invaluable.
Ask them, based on their observations of you, what top five values do they see you exhibit on a regular basis.
You might be surprised at their response.
By all means, make the effort to know yourself.
Below is a partial list to help you identify "confrontable" issues.
When you see these patterns of behavior on the part of others, it's vital you address it: tardiness, substance abuse, laziness, infidelity, irresponsibility, controlling behavior, messiness, insensitivity, disrespect, lack of follow through, overspending, physical and emotional abuse.
Marie shared her experience.
"At work today, out of the corner of my eye I saw a mouse or something scurrying through the office.
Disturbed, I went to my supervisor, Mrs.
Martinez, and reported what I saw.
Her response was quite insensitive.
'Marie, stop acting like a child.
' She smiled.
'Mrs.
Martinez, this is serious to me,' I said.
I demanded she call a pest control agency.
She didn't reply.
Our supervisor has a history of employee disrespect.
I simply reminded her that a safe working environment is a right for all workers, and that I would work elsewhere until she dealt with the problem...
I also went to my union representative to report the issue.
Because of this, within two days the supervisor resolved the vermin issue, and I was able to return to my office.
" Self-respect is built into your life when you confront issues with friends, co-workers and family members.
However, the first step in problem solving is knowing yourself and your belief system, Moreover, you need to develop the skill of identifying when your boundary has been violated.
So, observe your passions, your feelings, and seek feedback from others about your character.
This self-awareness is your first line of defense in protecting what you hold dear.