Learn to pick your battles
I recently learned some things from my kids; indirectly. All 4 of my kids are in the scouting movement and will often go to camp. I became a leader when my two young sons first started out with scouts at age five. I will volunteer my time and go to camp with them as a part time leader. One of their fellow scouts can be quite frustrating to the others, especially at camp, but I took this opportunity to show my kids that it isn’t as bad as they think.
This individual marches to their own tune. They’ll come on hikes but will often fall behind the rest of the group of kids. I stay back and ensure they aren’t about to injure themselves or get lost. Two of my kids get frustrated with this person because they “aren’t doing what the others are doing”. I took the time to explain that if they aren’t hurting themselves or anyone else, does it really matter. After this discussion, I thought about the same type of people who drive a vehicle near us. If they aren’t bothering others or hurting themselves, why make a big deal out of it?
I’ve grown up respecting other people and not wanting to disrupt the actions of others. Speaking with my kids allowed me to express to them about picking your battles. Why get annoyed about things that won’t affect you? Putting that into driving language, if another driver is doing something you think is wrong; ignore it as long as they won’t interfere with you. Getting all frustrated about someone doing something that won’t affect you isn’t worth it. Why get so bent out of shape on something so trivial? Could it lead to road rage?
I fully understand why drivers get annoyed and upset about other drivers driving recklessly near them as it may cause damage to their vehicle or them. But why get so annoyed about people who don’t bother anyone else? Wouldn’t that distract your ability to concentrate on your own driving? Wouldn’t that create a frustrated drive each day you’re driving? I don’t know about you, but I like to drive. I have to do it almost every day, so why would I want to make it into a negative drive just because I don’t like how someone, who won’t affect my travels, drives?
I’ve had students I’ve taught to drive at Young Drivers of Canada who come to the vehicle with negative attitudes toward other drivers. I can’t always convince them to think differently, but I always try.
The message is simple; pick your battles. Learn to ignore those who won’t affect you and adjust to those who are or may affect you.