Summary

The article outlines three strategies to stop complaining and take action when life doesn't meet one's expectations: self-honesty, avoiding negative influences, and setting clear goals.

Abstract

The article, titled "3 Ways Stop Complaining When Things Don’t Go Your Way," emphasizes the importance of being honest with oneself about one's willingness to change unsatisfactory situations, such as a job one constantly complains about. It suggests that complaining often masks personal dissatisfaction and that a positive outlook and the courage to move forward are necessary for personal growth. The author advises distancing oneself from negative, complaining co-workers to prevent their pessimism from affecting one's own attitude. Lastly, the article recommends setting specific annual and monthly goals to maintain focus and foster a proactive mindset, which can help individuals escape negative work environments and pursue their aspirations.

Opinions

Complaining is a sign of personal unhappiness and an unwillingness to confront the root causes of dissatisfaction.
People often lack the courage to leave unsatisfactory jobs despite constant complaints, illustrating a disconnect between their words and actions.
Negative energy from co-workers can influence one's own attitude, making it harder to leave a job.
Writing down goals and keeping them visible can help manifest them and maintain a goal-oriented mindset.
Employers may not have their employees' best interests at heart, so individuals should focus on their own growth and goals rather than seeking validation or change from their employers.

3 Ways Stop Complaining When Things Don’t Go Your Way

Hint: Be honest with yourself.

“They’re f**king parasites!”

That’s what a co-worker said to me on her last day of work. She was fed up with the managers treating her horribly and paying her dust. She left that job and starting working somewhere else (hope she’s happy).

That seems easy, doesn’t it?

If you’re fed up with something or someone, you stop what you’re doing and hit the road. Oh, how I wish it was that easy.

What if I told you that co-worker didn’t leave that job until 12+ years of working there. And, she didn’t really leave. She still works there on the weekends.

I guess people handle different things in different ways. But is complaining the way to go? I worked at the same job that lady hated and while I agree with her that it’s crappy, I never once complained.

Here’s how to stop complaining about things that don’t go your way.

Be honest with yourself.

Seriously.

Are you really going to leave that job you complain about all the time? You could curse at the world forever, but let’s be real here. You aren’t going to leave that job.

That’s like me saying I’m boycotting Starbucks because they wouldn’t let their workers wear a Black Lives Matter shirt. I can’t say I’m outraged because you’re going to see me there tomorrow (oops, I can’t control it).

I’ve heard other people complain about how the world is against them and that they deserve X, Y, Z millions of times. Every time I hear them say that, I tell them to quit — They never do.

Complaining is the biggest indicator that you’re unhappy with yourself so you’re taking it out on other people.

Sure, I agree that your boss is a dick, but when you’re talking about it every day, there’s a personal problem there.

To be honest with yourself, it takes two things:

A positive outlook on your future
Courage to move on to the next chapter

If you’re too scared, you won’t leave. So be honest with yourself and see if you’re actually ready for the next chapter or if you’re throwing shit at the wall because you hate someone.

Get away from other complainers.

When you’re around negative complainers, nine times out of ten that energy will exude on you at some point.

I often had alone times at work where I just went in random rooms (not even on my break) just to take a mental breather. I couldn’t handle all the pessimism from bitter people who can’t stand their position.

So stay away from extra negativity by getting away from those people as much as possible. You’ll become like them and you’re never going to leave your job.

Make a list of goals you want to accomplish this year.

I worked at that bad job for three years. Every time New Years came around, I’d sit on my couch, watch the ball drop, and immediately make a list of goals I want to accomplish for the year.

The main goal was to start my writing business (which I did) and get out of that job (which I did).

Once you write down where you want to be in life on a piece of paper, you start to manifest it more. You’ll have more focus when it comes to achieving those goals.

This doesn’t have to be on New Years, you should make a monthly goal list of things you want to accomplish this month. I have mine on my bulletin board right now.

Put it somewhere you can see it and look at it as much as possible. You’ll get out of that negative headspace and get into a goal-oriented mindset.

Final Thoughts

Your bosses are still going to make a lot of money, mistreat you, and will hold the door for you on your way out. They don’t care about you.

No one cares about you.

So why should you care about them? Don’t give them your energy. Focus on your own goals and try to prosper.

Be honest with yourself, stay away from other complainers, and make a list of your goals. Unless you want to be the person who claims they’re going to leave their job and…

…is still there.