I’m not exactly full of holiday cheer today as i have spent most of the day listening to people complain.  I’ve heard parents complain about how other parents coach the basketball team.  I’ve heard mothers complain about how the class mother is running the 4th grade holiday party.  I’ve heard family members complain about the plans for the holiday meal — that they are not preparing.  I’ve heard colleagues complain about how others are doing work — that they themselves didn’t volunteer to do. 

Really?  If you are unhappy with the way others do the things that you didn’t step up to do — then next time, do it yourself.

It takes no time at all to complain but countless hours and effort to volunteer to take on that extra assignment…the cookies for the class party…the coaching of kids who haven’t a clue about how to play the game…the hosting of a family party, etc. 

So, next time you think that colleague could have done it better or that class mother or parent coach should have done it your way…take a deep breath and instead of telling them off…simply tell them “thanks for taking that on.”

Or, next time, step up and do it yourserlf.