Everyone else gets to leave. You’re the only one stuck with you every minute. Make it decent company.

REFLECTION

WHAT THIS MEANS

Every other relationship has an exit, including the good ones, and the only company guaranteed for the whole stretch is your own. That is either a grim fact or a practical one, depending on how you talk to yourself in an ordinary week. Most people would not tolerate a friend who spoke to them the way their own head does.

Listen to the running commentary for one day, particularly after a mistake. Notice the tone rather than arguing with the content. Then say the same thing in the voice you would use with someone you actually like, and see whether it still needs saying that way.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

What would make your own company easier to spend time in?

MORE IN MINDSET & IDENTITY

Free, with nothing to buy inside it.