In sports, when players get hurt during a game, coaches must make decisions whether the player should stay in a game after an injury are leave the game for the playerâs safety. Is a player is hurt injured? Does the player risk further injury if they continue to play?
If the player can continue to play, coaches can redirect a player’s mind from the pain they felt to focusing on the game.
One day, I heard a coach say, “Rub some dirt on it and get back in the game.”
The player did get back in the game and played just fine.
A Principle for Daily Living
Hurt feelings in the workplace can be like pains in sports. Somebody may say something or behave in a way that hurts my feelings. I can decide to how to respond to what the person said or does.
If I get angry and raise the issue to a higher level by saying or doing something to hurt the person’s feelings in return, invariably I make matters worse.
On those occasions when I am hurt and not injured, I can make the situation better if I let the matter pass. When I act out of anger, I can make the situation worse. Rather than acting of out anger, I can just reach down in my mind where I feel the pain and “Rub some dirt on it.”
Action Steps for Practicing the Principle of “rubbing some dirt on it.”
Here are steps that help me apply the same concept of “rubbing some dirt on itâ to my daily life:
- Pause and assess. When I experience a setback or a slight insult, I can take a moment to decide if itâs just a minor hurt or something that truly requires a response. I can ask myself, “Is this worth derailing my day?” Often, reframing the issue can help me see that the pain is temporary and not indicative of a larger problem.
- Embrace a quick recovery ritual. Just as a coach advises a player to brush off a small scrape, I can develop my own quick routine. This might include taking a few deep breaths, a brief walk, or even a light physical gesture like shaking out my arms to symbolically ârub offâ the dust of the moment. These actions signal to my mind that the momentary pain wonât stop me from moving forward.
- Practice mindfulness and reflection. Rather than reacting impulsively to every minor slight, I can pause before speaking. I can reflect on the situation later when I am calmer. Journaling my thoughts can help me objectively separate the emotional noise from the facts, making it easier to decide if any action is needed or if itâs better to simply let it pass.
- Focus on my bigger goals. I can redirect my mental energy toward long-term objectives. I can remember that every minor defeat or slight is just one small part of my broader journey. Keeping my eye on bigger priorities can help me move on from trivial issues.
- Foster positive interactions. At work or in personal relationships, I can choose to let small transgressions slide. This doesnât mean ignoring issues that matter; it means I reserve my energy for real challenges. Over time, this approach not only reduces stress but also encourages a more positive, resilient environment where I am seen as a calm, dependable person.
- Learn when to engage. Recognize that not every hurt requires immediate confrontation. Sometimes, if the issue is recurring or begins to impact your well-being, itâs worth addressing calmly after youâve ârubbed the dirt off.â This way, you conserve your energy for issues that genuinely matter.
By incorporating these steps, youâre helping yourself adopt a stance that minimizes unnecessary conflicts. Itâs a deliberate way to maintain focus, control your emotions, and keep advancing in your personal and professional life, even when faced with minor setbacks.
One additional idea to consider is setting aside time for self-care and reflection at the end of each day. This can help you process any lingering feelings and prepare yourself to face a new day refreshed. How might establishing a regular routine for emotional check-ins make a difference in your overall stress levels?