Mixed messages: how to make sense of it all

 

Mixed messages play havoc with logic. Just when you think you understand a simple concept, doubt creeps in and you begin to question your sanity, your ability to reason—everything you thought to be true. In the publishing world, there is frequent interaction between publisher and advertisers, authors, sales reps, subscribers and so on. As concise as one can be through email, there is often room for interpretation on both sides, which may lead to miscommunication, lost time and, not uncommon, bruised feelings. With the majority of business and social communique handled via digital means, it might require an old-fashioned phone call to right a wrong or lend clarity to a situation in order to move forward. It isn’t necessarily about the mistake or misunderstanding, because we are human and they happen. It’s how we react in the moment, mindful that relationships—business or otherwise—are always hanging in the balance. And that pride goes before a fall every time.

How do you make sense of mixed messages?

Photo courtesy of Pansa at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

In due season

[Image credit: nuttakit]

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,
but anyone can start today and make a new ending.
~ Maria Robinson

Seasons come and seasons go.  In my own life, I’ve noticed this holds true in friendships and close relationships.  Sometimes we’re on the same page, traveling a similar journey along the same path.  We share a connection that defies logic.  And then at other times we couldn’t be more polar opposites.  No matter what season we’re in, however — a dormant winter, dark and lacking growth, or the spring of new potential — each one provides us with another chance to take an inventory of our lives and re-evaluate where we are and where we’re going (and if these are the people who will make the trek with us).  But if we take too long to think on it, we may miss that window of opportunity when we can either leap into the next season, or patiently prepare for what’s to come.

What keeps you from starting today?

Worry gets us nowhere fast

[Image credit: Salvatore Vuono]

Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.  ~Author Unknown

In my post On your mark, get set … I bring up the idea of fear immobilizing us even before we get started.  On that same note, fear is also counterproductive.  We can be scared to death, worry ourselves sick, give ourselves ulcers or any number of clichéd maladies, but the truth of the matter is that fear does not change the outcome.  As a matter of fact, it may possibly make it worse.   Of course, if we’re able to rectify the problem or concern right away, then worry is cut off at the root and not allowed to grow into a full-blown panic attack.  But there have been countless nights when I’ve kept myself awake fretting over an issue that can’t be addressed until morning.  And with that being the case, you’d think I’d simply make a note and tackle the situation in the light of day … when everything looks better anyway.  But even though we know better, it’s easy to get caught up in emotions rather than letting logic lead the way.  One of these days (or nights) I hope to get it right.

Are you a worry wart, or are you able to let concerns roll easily off your back?