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PROGRAM D-8023
How far could you go in your career if you eliminated one or two counter-productive behaviors? That’s a soul-searching question, isn’t it? It’s not easy for us to be objective about ourselves but, in the end, it is the smartest and most painless way we have of making changes that will benefit us and improve our relationships.
In examining how we can manage our emotions under pressure, it is important to read what Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “If we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment” (1 Corinthians 11:31). We truly can spare ourselves immense pain and shame by judging ourselves before others do it. Going back to our question, How far could you go in your career if you eliminated one or two counter-productive behaviors?
Here are some common counter-productive behaviors:
- Failure to follow-through on promises and commitments
- Tendency to be late to work, meetings, appointments
- Missing deadlines frequently
- Shifting the blame to others
- Talking about people behind their backs
- Bashing the boss with coworkers
- Complaining and griping a lot
Jean, one of our radio program listeners, wrote the following to us: “After hearing today’s message, I was hit with a great thought: Every time I ‘make a dig’ about somebody else or complain about another person, I’m going to stop and reflect on one of my own faults. Wow, I can’t wait to see if this helps me in this area. Thanks for the inspiration.”
This is a great example of a woman who recognizes the need to eliminate a counter-productive behavior—gossiping and complaining—and has put into place a plan to make it happen. By praying about this and setting her mind to eliminate this sinful habit, she will not only become more Christ-like and pleasing to the Lord, but she will also enhance her own value to her employer—which can only result in good things happening to her!
I encourage you to identify one counter-productive behavior of your own and make a commitment, through prayer, to change that behavior. Like my friend, Jean, decide exactly what you will do to replace a bad habit with a good one, and pray it into your life. The good news is that as born-again believers, we have a power beyond ourselves which makes it possible for us to truly change—the Spirit of God within us. We really don’t have an excuse for staying in bondage to counter-productive behavior, do we?