The Importance Of Flexibility

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Monitoring the front bus loop is one of my early morning duties at the school where I work, and I'd say most of the drivers have a smile on their face, like the one in the illustration above.


There are a couple of drivers who could only be described as more serious-minded individuals, however.


Many times in the past, one particular driver has expressed displeasure over the fact that the bus driver in front of him did not pull his bus ALL THE WAY UP.

To be fair, I believe that is the policy, as dictated by the transportation department, but all drivers do not follow it as fervently as the aforementioned driver, who pulls as far up as he can, whether there are other buses there or not. (We're talking the "North Forty!")


I benefit from the exercise obtained from walking a bit further, so I don't mind. It also does not bother me if a driver does not pull his bus all the way up.

The kids get off the bus safely, one way or another.


For this particular driver, though, there seems to be an element of anger present, particularly whenever the driver in front of him does not pull his bus as far up as is humanly possible. He has complained about it to me on several occasions, and I have always met his complaints with a smile and an understanding ear.


Apparently today was the straw that broke the camel's back, as the driver became engaged in a heated discussion for approximately 10 or 15 minutes with both behavior specialists, all the while blocking other buses who were unfortunate enough to have arrived behind him.


I diplomatically stayed out of it.


To me, this kind of falls under the category of "Don't sweat the small stuff," and its companion piece of advice, "It's ALL small stuff."


Obviously it can't be small stuff all the time, but if you really consider the bottom line on things going on around you on a day-to-day basis, I think you can safely conclude that most of the time there's no point in getting bent out of shape about things which you can just as easily let roll off your back and have it be over with.


Or am I whistling in the dark?


Ease up, be flexible, and don't worry so much, especially about things which you have no control over.


This will not only help you in business, but will make you a much happier person.


After all, nobody likes a whiner or a complainer.


Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Just don't be consumed by how things oughta be.

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Recent Comments

28

Well Rick as they say "what's the point of crying over spilt milk", some people just love to make a mountain out of a molehill and blow small trivial things out of all perspective.

You took the right decision by just standing watching and this person who made such a song and dance, if he had just held on and let the bus empty he would probably have only had to wait about 5 - 10 minutes and then he could have did what he needed to do and carry on. These people should just stay in their beds in the morning as they always seem to get out the wrong side and then they are looking for an argument for the rest of the day. xxx

Yep. Bus driving is a tough job nowadays, though. After hearing some of their war stories, I can understand a bit of grumpiness. I'm not usually grumpy, but if I am, I try to leave it at home-A smile for everyone! :)

I can’t imagine you ever being grumpy Rick. You are right though if you are having a bad day you should not take it to work with you. Xxx

In the overall scheme of things is it worth all the angst! Be calm like you, Rick :)

I have the blessing of having a naturally calm state, Carol. :)

Sweating the small stuff will send you to an early grave but you cannot be oblivious either. My rule is normally, no torpedo in the water... life is good. Jay

Sounds like a good policy, Jay!

I try to make it a rule to never sweat the small stuff. There is just too much BIG stuff to sweat over!!

T

Sure seems like it, Tammi! :)

Good I have a good sense of humor . It certainly helps.
Or I say to a person who starts shouting"Yes, you are right." This surprises them so much that they stop shouting hahaha...:)))

Very good strategy, my dear. :)))

I guess so. It works.:)

Now I know Vera that you and I are definitely so much alike as I tend to take the same stance and just agree with them. Sometimes they are in a mood and they are looking for someone to take it out on and then when you agree with them they are so taken aback that you agree they forget what they were shouting about and then it is easier to deal with their problem. xxxx

Yes and amen! Hahaha...:)

Definitely Vera lol. xxx

Hmmm... 'pick your battles'? As you say, especially about things which you have no control over! Sue :)

Right, Sue! :)

It is a very strange world out there. I see a lot of anger.

There's definitely some anger out there, Deb. I try to avoid it. :)

If you don't consider the big picture you can lose everything. Well posted Rick!

Thanks, Mike!

Hi Rick,
Dealing with life events is a balancing act. As you pointed out, we want to be heard but it should always be put in perspective with how it's affecting all involved...like all the buses behind that one driver. I often follow your response...just be an observer.

Enjoy your day,
Debbie

Good advice, Debbie. :)

You always need to be flexible became circumstances change from one moment to the next

We sure live in a world of change, Davida. :)

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