This is actually wisdom 101, stuff your mamma out to have taught you but it amazes me how few people understand this premise. When a situation unfolds before you, before you wade into the pool of opinion, ask yourself this question, Who’s business is this?

There are three levels to this question. Three circles of influence that surround you that will help you decide the correct answer.

How does this effect me?

Is my life effected by this situation? Will my life be changed by how this event unfolds? Will it hurt me or help me personally? If the answer is yes, you have a right to stick your nose in. If not, move along folks, nothing to see here.

Does the situation effect people or things in my immediate circle of influence?

Does the situation matter to my friends and family –  my tribe? Will my neighbourhood, meaning my community and the surrounding area, be effected by the outcome of the situation?

If the answer is yes, as a contributing member of this community, then yes, you have a right to an opinion, but only on the situation and not the people who have caused the issue. Keep to the facts and don’t assume. Assumption is gossips co-conspirator and that is not your business.

Is this a moral issue?

As a citizen of your community, nation and the world there are times when, as a member of the human race, it is your responsibility to speak up and take action. This is definitely your business, it is all of our business, yet surprisingly few take up the call.

Perhaps we don’t want to get involved in the messy stuff because then we will be forced to engage our emotions. The decisions will be hard and we will have to take on a leadership role. Yet when you do take a stand and make it your business, real change for the better can happen.

News all the time

 

Global 24/7 media has allowed us to watch events around the world unfold as they happen. Media no longer edits news to make it palatable for the gentle consumer. Individual lives are now being played out across many levels of media for all to see. We are inundated with information that is outside of our circle of influence and  many feel helpless to react positively. Yet if we apply the simple “Who’s business is this” to what we see and hear on a daily basis, we can filter out most of it.

Don’t believe me. Here’s a little test. Go to your favourite news website and use this simple rule as you scroll down the headlines. Is it your business? Does the story effect you personally? Is your community involved?  Can you do anything about it and if so, are you even willing to?

I will bet that almost every story that made headlines is not your business so move along. Go find something worthwhile instead to apply your energy too. I guarantee that not only will you be less stressed in life, you will be happier too and just maybe with all that extra time you can do something that is your business and help make the world a better place.

Make it your business to comment on this post and continue the conversation.