It’s human nature to project our thoughts, feelings, and frustrations onto other people. Here’s a rule of thumb: You tend to admire other people for whatever you most admire in yourself. And you’re most likely to despise them for the things you don’t like about yourself.
The next time you feel impressed by or annoyed with someone, pause and explore the feeling. Practicing self-identification whenever you’re pleased or inexplicably annoyed by someone’s behavior gives you access to a powerful took for personal growth, and the quickest path toward a more peaceful existence.
Our own minds are constantly trying to protect us from harsh realities, hide insecurities, or otherwise color the truth. The next time you’re looking for a touch of objectivity, try decoding your thoughts about someone else. You might be surprised by what you learn.
For more bite-sized chunks of wisdom, check out our Instaread on 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think.
