Compassion is not a concrete topic like understanding Profiles, but DISC can still help us understand how we do what we do.
Jokingly, 14 months into 2020, the longest year ever, where compassion needs to be the word of the moment. Here in Houston, Texas, like the rest of the country, we find ourselves still in the midst of a pandemic. Just last week Houston went through 'snowmaggdon' and what we saw, on a personal level, were so many incredible acts of compassion; neighbor helping neighbors and strangers helping strangers.
It's common to show our compassion through our eyes or verbal expression. We may write a thoughtful letter. Others, prefer to show compassion through clear actions, such as making us a meal, shoveling snow from our driveway, or helping us turn off water from a burst pipe.
Compassion reminds others we are present and in the moment of appreciating who they are or what they do. We are expressing our gratitude.
Compassion is a behavior. DISC helps remind us of behaviors we tend to be more comfortable with and those requiring more effort and energy. We are different and unique. Self-awareness is about having a confident understanding of ourselves and how we come across to others. It also helps us understand how others can express compassion, but in a different way from us. It can help us better receive it.
We all are compassionate, but how we express it may be different and that's okay. Do the things you're comfortable and know when it may take more energy. It can be hard to get started; we are busy and overwhelmed. We may not feel we are built that way because we are not verbose or emotional, but can you listen more and you perform an act of compassion?
As with any behavior, we can give it thought beforehand. In a snowstorm, how can you show compassion to your family or neighbors? Can you check in to see if they are okay? Can you take over chores for a busier family member? Set an intention and just do it! Don't miss opportunities. Trust us when we say everyone is willingly on the receiving end regardless of how we do it.
How often do we show compassion? Compassion needs operate as a verb; as a muscle that needs to be exercised daily. Not only do we need to exercise it with those around us, but with ourselves as well. Sometimes we leave ourselves out of the conversation. We are not as ready to give ourselves a break where our inner critic dominate. You deserve to practice self-compassion.
Compassion, paid forward and without expectations, often create opportunities for more positive interactions and make you productive. It's generates a longer positive feedback loop.
Consider when we're at home, we may focus more on what doesn't happen, what our family members don't do. Flip it to the positive and give everyone a break, including yourself, and focus on the positive. It may take more conscious effort, but try. If it didn't work exactly as you intended, try again. What did your colleague or your partner do well today?
DISC doesn't teach us things we don't inherently know. We know we need to be more compassionate or adjust our behaviors; however, we tend not to do it consistently. DISC is a reinforcement tool to remind us to take the things we do well and do it consistently.
We challenge you recognize when and how often you are practicing compassion and self-compassion. Action is the answer; get started and the reward is that it feels good for you and others.
