Being difficult can sometimes come naturally to us. We all have those moments where we’re so set in our ways that we become a challenge for those around us.

But here’s the thing – it’s not a great quality to have. Not only does it strain our relationships, but it also prevents us from growing.

So, how do we stop being such a hard nut to crack?

Well, I’ve put together eight strategies that can help you shift your behavior. And don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you to change who you are, just how you interact with others.

So stick around, this could be the turning point for you. Welcome to “8 strategies to stop being a very difficult person”.

1) Self-awareness is key

We often don’t realize that we are being difficult. And that’s where the trouble starts.

It’s important to take a step back and evaluate how we interact with others. Are we often argumentative? Do we refuse to compromise? Are we always insisting on our way?

Recognizing and acknowledging these behaviors is the first step towards change.

It might be an uncomfortable process, but it’s essential. After all, you can’t fix a problem if you don’t know it exists.

So take some time to reflect on your actions and attitudes. It’ll help you understand where you’re going wrong and what needs to be addressed.

And remember: self-awareness isn’t about beating yourself up, it’s about improving and growing as a person. So go easy on yourself as you embark on this journey of self-improvement.

2) Learning to listen

I’ll share a personal anecdote here. I used to have a habit of talking over people, always trying to get my point across without actually hearing what the other person had to say.

I didn’t realize it until a close friend pointed it out. She told me that I was so focused on being right that I didn’t take the time to listen to others’ views. And that made me a difficult person to have a conversation with.

That hit me hard. But it also made me realize how crucial it is to listen.

Listening isn’t just about being quiet while the other person talks. It’s about understanding their perspective, their feelings, and their needs. It’s about showing respect for their thoughts and opinions.

So, I made a conscious effort to change. Now, I make sure to pause, hear the other person out and respond thoughtfully instead of jumping in with my opinion right away.

And trust me, it has made a world of difference in my relationships!

3) The power of apology

Did you know that the act of apologizing can actually have a positive impact on your physical health? Studies have shown that those who apologize experience less stress and anxiety, leading to better overall health.

Apologizing when you’re wrong doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. It shows that you recognize your mistakes and are willing to make amends.

But an apology is more than just saying “I’m sorry”. It needs to be sincere and it needs to show that you understand why what you did was wrong.

So, next time you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been difficult or caused upset, don’t shy away from apologizing. It might just be the thing that mends the situation, and hey, it’s good for your health too!

4) Flexibility is your friend

In life, it’s not always about being right. It’s about being flexible.

Being rigid in your ways and refusing to budge can make you difficult to deal with. It can cause friction and create a negative atmosphere.

On the other hand, being open-minded and willing to adapt shows that you value harmony over conflict. It shows that you’re considerate of others and their views.

And it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your core values or beliefs. It just means being able to adjust your approach or attitude for the sake of peace and mutual respect.

So, try to be more flexible in your interactions. You’ll find that things will go a lot smoother, and people will find it much easier to get along with you.

5) Showing empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in their shoes and seeing things from their perspective.

When we’re being difficult, it’s often because we’re not considering the other person’s feelings or point of view. We’re so caught up in our own thoughts and emotions that we forget to consider theirs.

But when we show empathy, it changes everything. It helps us realize that just like us, others too have their struggles, their fears, their insecurities.

By showing empathy, not only do we become less difficult to deal with, but we also strengthen our relationships. We create an environment of understanding and acceptance where everyone feels heard and valued.

So next time you find yourself in a conflict or disagreement, take a moment to think about the other person’s perspective. It might just change the way you react and make you a less difficult person to deal with.

6) Embracing feedback

I used to be someone who couldn’t take criticism, even constructive ones. It was as if every piece of feedback was a personal attack, leading me to become defensive.

One day, after a heated discussion with a colleague, I took a step back and realized how my inability to accept feedback was making me difficult to work with. It wasn’t just about my ego – it was about my growth and improvement too.

That’s when I decided to change my perspective on feedback. Instead of seeing it as criticism, I started viewing it as a tool for growth and improvement.

I began to actively seek feedback, and instead of getting defensive, I started using it to better myself. It was challenging at first, but the more I did it, the easier it became.

Accepting feedback can be hard, but it’s an essential part of personal development. It helps us identify our weaknesses and gives us the opportunity to improve. And most importantly, it makes us less difficult to deal with.

7) Practicing patience

Patience is a virtue, and for a good reason. It allows us to stay calm in stressful situations, it helps us make better decisions, and it makes us more approachable.

When we’re impatient, we tend to act impulsively. We make rash decisions, we snap at others, and we become difficult to be around.

But when we practice patience, we give ourselves the time to process our emotions and reactions. We allow ourselves to think before acting, leading to more positive outcomes.

So the next time you feel your patience wearing thin, take a deep breath and count to ten. Give yourself a moment to calm down and think things through. You’ll be surprised at how much this simple act can help you become less difficult.

8) Kindness goes a long way

At the end of the day, being kind is the most effective strategy to stop being a difficult person. Kindness diffuses tension, breaks down barriers, and fosters goodwill. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can transform your relationships and interactions.

So, be kind – to others and to yourself. It might not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

In conclusion: It’s a journey

The path to becoming less difficult is not an overnight transformation but a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

This statement rings true in our quest to become less difficult. Accepting our flaws and recognizing our behaviors is the first step towards change. It’s about understanding ourselves better, acknowledging our shortcomings, and taking conscious steps to improve.

Remember, it’s okay to falter and make mistakes along the way. What’s important is that we learn from these experiences and continue to strive for better relationships and interactions.

So as you embark on this journey, remember to be patient with yourself, keep an open mind, and above all, be kind – not just to others, but also to yourself. After all, change begins within.