“Whenever someone wrongs you, take a moment to consider what ideas of right and wrong led them to act that way. When you understand this, you'll feel empathy instead of shock or anger. You might even realize that you share, or once shared, similar beliefs, making it easier to forgive them.” - Marcus Aurelius

Setbacks are inevitable. A client or colleague may let you down, but instead of reacting with frustration, pause and ask: What’s driving their behavior?

Understanding the reasons behind their actions (perhaps stress, misinformation, competing priorities etc) can help shift your emotions from anger to empathy.

By reframing situations through the lens of understanding, we move away from resentment and toward constructive solutions. What feels like a setback can become a valuable lesson, strengthening relationships and fostering resilience.

Ask the right questions, and you’ll find clarity in any situation.

Actionable tips:

• When a deal falls through or a client acts unfairly, pause and consider why they may be behaving that way. What pressures or misunderstandings might they be experiencing?
• If their actions seem unreasonable, ask yourself if you’ve ever acted similarly and why. This can help you respond with patience rather than judgement.

Remember you will die.

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