How do I cope with conflict

An obvious question is how do I cope with conflict? If the objective is to be happily in control of my life what happens when someone close to me disagrees with my thinking or complains about my actions? This is such an important point. Having control of one's life in such a way as be living a healthy and happy life is the objective. It is important to understand that control of one's life which does not seek goals which result in health and happiness for ourselves and others is going to undermine success.

You need to carefully evaluate the criticism and decide whether the incoming ideas might actually enhance your own even if those thoughts make you uncomfortable. Of course you need to also be aware of criticism which results fro lack of self esteem or chronic negativity affecting the provider of this criticism.

Clearly conflict can occur when two or more people discuss ideas and no agreement is reached. My suggestion is to communicate with the person or people expressing ideas to say that you have listened to what they say and although you might have an immediate reaction you wish to take time to evaluate whether these ideas are useful in terms of happy harmonious living or not.

Of course we experience a range of emotions when we listen to another person's ideas; by taking time to evaluate hopefully you can be more successful in separating emotions from ideas considered in a rational way.