I was standing in line at a gate in Belfast International Airport a few weeks ago, waiting to board the flight back to Manchester.
The limited space available saw the need for people to squeeze in a bit and stand next to each other. “There’s a queue y’know” said the lady I stood next to, assuming I was trying to get in front of her to board the plane. (Never mind the fact I had got there before her, but had been sitting down) I considered a few responses. Witty, sarcastic, rude. I ended up with a rather non committal response.
Tempting as it was to walk quicker than her once we were on the apron and board the plane before her I decided life was too short to be petty. The phrase “pick your battles” is one that I use many times both to myself and to others. It is very easy to engage at every single opportunity.
Whether in conversation, potential conflict, or business. But I have found this approach is good one. The energy consumed to engage with everything, everywhere, every time will result in burnout. There are a set number of hours in the day. Rest, sleep, food are essential. Time box them. The rest, choose wisely.
