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Demand Less Encourage More

Words of wisdom for any parent, boss, or leader: Demand Less, Encourage More.

The more we allow (I love that word) others to do their thing, the more joy and creativity they bring to the task at hand. I don't like to work for, with, or around demanding people, why then would anyone want to work for, with, or around me if I'm demanding?

Demanding less of myself and others while encouraging more has provided me with so much personal peace and harmony. It is so liberating to not care what others think. It's also so rewarding to watch my children grow and develop. Each is unique. Twould be a crying shame, not to mention mighty ignorant and arrogant, for me to try to mold them into becoming only that which I felt would best reflect on me.

I want to make as little demands on others as possible. Instead, I want to encourage everyone in their various endeavors. What exactly would I encourage others to do? I'd encourage them to pursue their own truths and let got of limiting beliefs.

And one last question before I go, what is it that makes us so demanding? It has to be the ego. The ego thinks it's always right. The ego believes that its way is the right way and that there is only one right way. The ego also demands because the ego is obsessed with positions, possessions, power, and prestige. Additionally, the ego eschews encouragement because to the ego everything is competition. In a world where everyone is a competitor there is no room for encouraging others for collaboration and cooperation don't make sense when everyone is viewed as your opponent. For the ego, demanding less and encouraging more when every measure of success is based on achievements, acquisitions, and accomplishments, is impossible. More, more, more speaks the voracious appetite of ego!

I wish I could say that I no longer have an ego. I can't, but I can say that I am encouraged at how much less it demands since I stopped feeding it.
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