It’s often pointed out that we complain a lot in this country. (Perhaps more often than is strictly necessary, thanks very much.) This is generally seen as A Bad Thing. It’s negative, we’re told. Stop complaining and come up with a solution instead. It’s like if you’re complaining, you’re part of the problem.
Nonsense.
As a friend of mine recently pointed out, complaint comes about through caring about something. That means you can use it to zoom in on your passion. And passion is the basis for really effective and committed action.
So, properly handled, a complaint is the signpost to the solution, not an obstacle. In fact, very often, just being aware of the passion takes the sting out of the complaint. Here’s a (possibly apparently silly) example.
The other day it was raining, and I was complaining. Behind the complaint was the fact that I wanted to go outside. Of course, if I did, I’d get wet – hence the grumbling. When it’s stripped down to “I want to be outside and dry,” it’s simple – get an umbrella out of the cupboard. So I did. And it was great! I even managed to help an umbrella-less lady across the road in the dry of my own brolly. As well as getting what I wanted, I made a new friend!
So, what are you complaining about, what’s the passion, and what positive action is it pointing to?
Posted by marklister 
