Don’t let circumstances master you.

“These greens are kind of rough,” I observed.

“They’re not really greens,” my son replied.

We had begun our first round of golf in five years on an unusually cool early September morning in the Southeast, and the entire course looked like the yard your neighbors complain about. But it has a unique advantage — it’s the only par-3 within 50 miles and I don’t throw my money away on full-size golf courses.

Waxing philosophical, I responded to my son, “True, but you have to work with what you’ve got and make the most of it.”

Hmm, I need to put that thought in my pocket for blog material.

What were our options? Gripe and groan about the terrible conditions? Pack up our bags and go home? Those choices would’ve set the tone for a grand day. People should only complain about things they are willing to help improve, but there was nothing we could do to make those greens better in a few hours on a Saturday morning.

But we could adjust our attitudes and expectations

Often, the only choice you have to improve your situation is to improve your attitude.

You may not have the power to change your workplace culture.

You can’t change the diagnosis (except by prayer).

You can’t change the other person. You really can’t.

But you have complete control of your responses and behaviors.

My son would’ve had a splendid day had I acted like a jackass because of the jungle golf course we were playing. But here’s the deal – I wasn’t there to master my short game.

I could’ve played with a garden hoe instead of a pitching wedge; it made no difference to me. I was there to spend time with my son while enjoying the pleasant day.

The decision is yours

Work on what you can.

Control what’s within your power.

Let the rest go.

If you improve the atmosphere of your conditions, you’ll carry someone with you as a rising tide raises all ships.

Who can complain about whacking a golf ball in the weeds on a stunningly beautiful late summer morning?

I’ll go back again.

---

If you enjoyed this post and got value from it, please share it on your social media channels or send the link to a friend. I also invite you to follow the blog via email. 🙂