I find as human beings we spend a lot of energy talking about the behaviour of others; how they think, talk, and act.

While the dialogue is sometimes positive and full of praise, for the majority of the time I would say that we choose to dwell on the negative aspects of other people's behaviour.

 

Of course we rarely see our own flaws as clearly as we seem to see the flaws of others, but for the sake of conversation let's say that you are perfect. I think that such a person would choose to employ a much different approach than the normal default setting of hitting someone over the head with their character flaws. Rather than forcefully trying to tell someone what is wrong with their behaviour, (which never really works anyways), this person would choose to show them a better way to live through their own actions. Now obviously there are times when people need to be told what they are doing wrong, especially when their behaviour is hurting others, but there is a time and a place for doing so: in private and to the person directly. In the case where something needs to be said always do it in a helpful and loving way so that the person has a chance to see where they might be messing up. And, understandably, they are much more likely to listen if they see that you are living out your own advice.

 

Don't you think a much greater impact would be had if we consistently chose to model the correct way to act instead of browbeating people with their shortcomings? If we spent half as much time leading by example through our actions as we did flapping our gums, I have a strong feeling that the world would be a much better place. 

 

So the next time you feel like complaining about how someone is acting, do something productive instead and lead by example.