How to Complain (and Why)
A little kvetching is good for you. Going overboard with it is not.
This philosophy works for me. Too much positive thinking just doesn't feel right to me, even with all my work with clients to "dream big".
This article from the Pacific Daily News features quotes from both the pro- and anti-kvetch camps.
On the pro side: When we complain in moderation to a willing listener, we are acknowledging the truth of our experience rather than hiding it. We may feel a little less miserable in the process.
On the anti side: When we complain, we are excusing ourselves from taking action. When we focus on the way things should be and cultivate a positive spirit, we infuse the world with that energy and make it a better place.
You may have read about the purple rubber bracelets you can get from A Complaint Free World to remind you not to complain and to signify your commitment to living a complaint-free life.
Here's my take on complaining and your career.
Complaining in moderation can help you understand what you'd rather be doing.
- Your job may not be a good fit anymore. It might be time for you move on to something really amazing. You're not going to make that move unless you're a at least a little bit uncomfortable. You won't realize your discomfort until you complain a bit.
Complaining too much sours you and infects everyone around you, too.
- It's easy to hide behind complaints (which includes gossip and sarcasm). If you complain a lot and never take action to change your circumstances, you're a victim. From there it's just a short hop over to bitterness. You'll attract certain kinds of people (whiners) and repel others (doers).
Go ahead and kvetch a bit about your job or your boss or the company. And then ask yourself what you will do to make it better.
You won't be able to solve all of your complaints. But doing something even very small will keep you in a position of action and power. And that feels a lot better than bitterness.
You might even decide to wear a purple rubber bracelet!
Heather Mundell
Dream Big Coaching Services
www.dreambigcoaching.com
heather@dreambigcoaching.com
