We often complain about how people treat us.

“We should be respected.”

“People should be honest with me.”

“People should support me.”

“People should understand me.”

But there is another question we sometimes forget to ask:

Am I giving others the same treatment I expect from them?

THE DOUBLE STANDARD

You want people to listen when you speak, but do you listen when they speak?

You want people to forgive your mistakes, but are you willing to forgive theirs?

You want people to keep your secrets, but can you keep theirs?

You want people to support you when things are difficult, but are you there when they need you?

It is easy to demand good character from others.

It is harder to practice it ourselves.

BE THE EXAMPLE

If you want honesty, practice honesty.

If you want respect, show respect.

If you want kindness, be kind.

If you want people to keep their promises, keep yours.

The change we want to see around us often begins with what we are willing to demonstrate ourselves.

Don't simply ask:

“Why aren't people better?”

Ask:

“Am I becoming the kind of person I want others to be?”

YOUR CHALLENGE TODAY

Think about one quality you strongly desire from people around you.

Maybe it is honesty, respect, patience, loyalty or kindness.

Then ask yourself whether you are consistently giving that same quality to others.

Be the example before becoming the complaint.

If others were like you, would they receive the same kindness they expect from others?