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I live in the poorest country of the European Union. Not in terms of natural phenomena, though because we have a plethora of those. Not in terms of history because we are among the richest in the world in historical artifacts. The poorest one in economic terms.
This fact is reiterated by media quite often to stick into the public’s mind. Put that way, people have an excuse to whine and complain all the time. I am sure this mindset is not typical only of my country but of many others, but it is one that needs to be eradicated.
Let’s Start by Stopping Whining
Not only whining won’t make us feel better, but it will probably also distance us from all the amazing people in this online (and offline) world. If we are not okay with something, we need to change it. Here’s an example:
Every day, I work out outside. I usually do it close to my apartment in a schoolyard with bars. Each day I go there, I find trash left by people that have either used the playground and the bars or have just passed through there.
The truth is, it bugs me and every time I see someone in the moment of littering, I ask the person to pick his trash with him/her. And, most of the time, believe it or not, it works.
Of course, I cannot always be there to teach or reprimand every mindless person who believes the schoolyard and the green area around it is a trash can.
So, what do I do? Do I whine about it? Do I shrug my shoulders in vain?
Lead by Example by Collecting Trash
After my workout, I go around picking the trash and then, I deposit it in the containers for recyclable waste that, ironically, are a few meters away from the playground. By doing that, I show my allegiance to nature. I love doing it, it charges me immensely and leaves me in an uplifted mood.
I don’t like seeing the plastic leftovers and metal cans everywhere, but I don’t whine about it. Scolding others not always works. Sometimes, it’s even dangerous. Therefore, I lead by example. And so should you if you want to feel a life worth living.
This applies to business, too. Distance the whiners and surround yourself with people who are active and are changing the environment around themselves. They are literally eliminating the piles of trash gathering around them. And the online world is full of it.
No matter where you live, there will always be someone who will try to muddy your waters. One of the solutions to deal with those is to lead by example by [insert activity]. To me, it is the best one.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
I do the same when I go to work out – and the place where I go to train is a school. And the school yard is so full of junk, that you cannot just stay and watch it – a voice inside your head is telling you to take action!
Atanas, you are a wonderful human being for listening to the voice in your head and taking action! 🙂
This is all great, but far from enough. The focus should be put on not littering and not that much on picking someone else’s trash, Otherwise, there would always be dirt behind our backs. Many nations suffer from a lack of sense of ownership of land, infrastructure, nature, governance, and generally everything that does not belong to them personally. And there are various reasons for that. Unfortunately, this trend is very strong in the still developing societies, which struggle with their authoritarian past when people had control over nothing but a few personal belongings. It is not as much of… Read more »
I wholeheartedly agree, Ivaylo!
But we have to start from somewhere.
What do you propose we do to eradicate the thoughts of those people that litter everywhere they go?
We can attribute it to the past, but that won’t do us any good, will it?
I am living in a country that has been notorious in terms of having trash all over. Our new leader (Prime Minister Modi) has started a campaign – Swachh Bharat (Clean India). I am doing my bit by keeping India clean howsoever I can. And I am proud to be doing it. Glad to read about your effort, and proud of it!
Oh, I have heard really notorious stories about the filth in India.
I am also proud of your efforts – we only have one planet to live in and it’s our obligation to maintain it!
I am so proud to be your friend, if I may call myself that, and so inspired by your quiet little deeds that are changing the world into a better place! Thank you for helping Earth and thank you for sharing this story 🙂
Oh, thank so much, Tonka! I am also very proud to call you my friend!
I derive inspiration from your deeds, too, so we need to unite and create something even larger!
I know you will be up to the challenge!
Great article Svet! It does make a big difference in our lives. Lets pick up.
Thanks very much, Guna! Let’s apply this attitude to business and we will have mind-boggling success 🙂