THE COMEBACK:

THE MESSAGE:

A simple rule about how to be a good and respected person is to always resist the temptation to react without thinking each situation through completely. People are expected to keep passions in check. Of course, there will be occasions where the individual is forced to make decisions with little opportunity to think beforehand. I believe that, in such cases, the individuals’ choices will always be affected by their growth, development and values.

It is difficult to change your behavior by simply resolving to do something. If you could, being a “good person” would be uncomplicated. Knowing what to choose is not the same as being able to do it.

Willpower is not like a dam that can block the flow of self-indulgence. It is more like a muscle, which tires easily. Moreover, individuals are social beings. If everybody around you is overreacting, you’ll probably do so, too.

TONY TODAY:

Today, psychologists recognize that there are limits to the exercise of free will. There are many things, both external and internal, that are beyond one’s control. Ergo the ability to make changes in our lives is not a simple matter. We are creatures of habit many of which are unconscious and some of which are self protective.

Researchers at Duke University calculated that more than 40 percent of the actions we take are governed by habit, not actual, conscious decisions.

Managers can change the habits of their employees by implementing a “Policy Directive”. Habits can be affected through a strategy of substituting a directive for an urge. For example, a series of scripts to deal with irate customers is a possibility.

This method has been proven to be unreliable.

If you want to change your life it is necessary to focus on larger issues. Open your mind and soul to the plight of others. You can achieve wonderful things through a commitment to gain knowledge, understanding and compassion. An example would be to replace your ignorance and fear of different cultures and ideas by embracing humanity. The world needs more people of soul. Impulse needs to be put on hold until we get the chance to think about our choices.

THE MUSIC:

George Jones - Choices

THE STUFF:

THE PERKS OF OLD AGE

I have everything that I wanted when I was a teenager. I have my own hangout and no curfew. I have my own car. I changed the car horn to gunshot sounds; now people get out of the way much faster. The biggest lie I tell myself is "I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it." At my age "Getting lucky" means walking into a room and remembering why I went in there.

THE PUN:

A cross-eyed teacher couldn’t control his pupils.