Articles Menu >
Too Easy!
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2000
During the 3 weeks I was in Australia, I made some very interesting discoveries. I noticed that, while Australian people are very much like us in a multitude of ways, there are also some striking differences. One extremely curious difference is in how they handle everyday challenges or problems.
I know that within the course of my day, when something goes wrong, messes up, or is unpleasantly unexpected, I frequently experience frustration, tension and stress. It’s as if I’m thinking, "Well, that wasn’t supposed to happen! How dare the Universe put that obstacle in my path!" I mumble and complain and generally feel inconvenienced. And if you work with me, or are a part of my immediate circle of friends and family – you probably feel the negative energy of my emotional state as I am attempting to deal with the problem.
I noticed that my Aussie friends seemed to handle their "problems" differently. In Australia, every time I had to ask a hotel staff for something that wasn’t a part of our contract, or request that a meal be returned, or pointed out a discrepancy in a bill – I would get one of only two responses from almost everyone. From Cannes to Brisbane to Sydney to Melbourne to Darwin to Perth the response was pretty much the same. I heard either, "No worries!" or, "Too easy!" And every time I got those responses, I smiled.
Whereas, I certainly could have become a grumpy, irritable customer if those service providers had chosen to respond to my request as a nuisance, I instead smiled and thanked them and marveled at how positively those few little words impacted my emotional state.
Here’s your mission for the next few days – should you accept it. Every time someone asks you for something or tells you to change what you’ve done or help out on a task, instead of sighing, rolling your eyes and reluctantly agreeing, why not instead smile and say, "Too easy!" or "No worries!"
Watch what happens. It will probably blow them away. They most likely will smile and thank you most sincerely. Who knows, you might actually start a trend around the office. When people comment about your response, just casually remark, "Oh, this is what they say in Australia all the time. Pretty cool, huh?"
Well, I must run. I have to write a speech for a keynote presentation I’m making in 2 days and sign 85 copies of my book for the attendees. Get all my financial stuff together for an appointment with my lawyer tomorrow at 2 p.m. Answer 36 unopened emails, pay all my bills before I go to bed and spend some quality time with my husband.
Oh yeah. Too easy!
Word count: 454
Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.
Back to top > |
