I wrote about this recently but feel so strongly that I found a different quote about it.

I think I feel so strongly because it’s something I need a lot of work on. But I like the question Marcus suggests. “What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”

This idea also goes along with the “pause” concept. When we start to criticize (out loud or internally) something or someone, we should pause and ask this question of ourselves. And in that time consider it deeply. Is this something you do and don’t like? Is that why you’re getting ready to dump on it (or them)? Or is it closer to another quality or trait you have?

Whatever you come up with, see if you can figure out why it’s irritating or annoying you. If you can see what’s going on inside of you, then it gives you something to work on.

Then next time you’re faced with the same situation, measure your reaction and repeat the process as often as you need to until you no longer react to those particular circumstances.