Ask Yourself the Question, “Will This Make a Difference?”

I first heard this saying when I was still working in the 1970’s, Then I found it again in a book given to me by my Mom for helping her with her first All-Thomas High School Class Reunion; “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff . . . and it’s all small stuff, Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life”, #16, by Richard Carlson. This book has lots more good recommendations, but this is the one that stayed with me.

Take a look at whatever circumstance is upsetting you, then simply ask yourself the question, “Will this make a difference—in an hour, a day, a week, a year, five years, etc.? Choose the best time period that alleviates your anger or frustration. Is there really any long-term effect or value?

This question has made a huge difference in my life. Rather than expending too much unnecessary negative energy on small, unimportant things, I could breeze through those times with a joke and a smile on my face. It made it easier to keep things, which incite stress, anger or even unkind words, in perspective.

Maybe this can help ‘tame the beast’ in you during those more challenging times we all have in our lives.

P.S. You might want to buy this little book. There might be something in it that strikes a more harmonious chord with you that is different from me.