RIGHT THINKING

and best in all spheres. This approach sounds good in theory, but is destructive in the long run. The reason is that we do not live our lives alone. Individual interests, considerations and choices vary. Everyone has a personal, unique view of what is good, bad and ideal. This makes the achievement of personal ideals impossible. The only practical solution is to adopt the policy of adjustment with others. IGNORE PROVOCATION Conflicts and quarrels have been a feature of human society. That is not to say that there is no escape from these situations. It depends upon whether individuals entangle themselves in such conflicts or manage to keep themselves away. This holds true for individuals, as well as nations. Most quarrels start with verbal exchanges that grow heated. People over-react and become hostile. Their retaliatory thinking often results in full-fledged enmity. Negative action is the result of negative thinking. Differences should be countered in a positive manner. The best principle to follow on encountering an unpleasant situation is to think carefully before speaking, or acting. Verbal exchanges can snowball into more serious conflicts. If something poses a real threat and must be taken seriously, you should make every effort to solve the problem at hand, but confine yourself to resolving it by discussion. Even if your feelings are hurt, there is no real harm, only imaginary. And reacting on imaginary grounds would not be wise. Exercise restraint, and ignore provocation. THINK OUT OF THE BOX To think out of the box is to think differently, unconventionally, and from new perspectives. You are not limited to thinking in terms of black and white. There are grey areas in between. Better options exist. And thinking out of the box will lead you to these better options. For instance, if someone says something hurting to us, we tend to get angry and quarrel with the person. We feel that not reacting to the insult shows cowardice, while fighting back would be considered bravery.This is wrong thinking. There is a better option—the way of avoidance. Instead of wasting your time being provoked into fighting, you should stick to the path of positive action and avoid negativity. There is a saying that illustrates this better option—“Dogs may bark, but the elephant goes on”. If we are provoked by every unpleasant experience, we will fail to devote ourselves to worthwhile goals.