One of the things I am most passionate about is the power of operating in work and life “drama-free.” Why? Because I’ve seen the massive positive results that living drama-free can produce with my very own eyes.
People who operate drama-free move their personal and professional lives forward in ways that those who live ‘in drama’ can’t even imagine or understand. I call those people “drama slaves” because they truly are enslaved to the erroneous notion that drama somehow serves them. It brings attention and makes them feel important and in control when, in fact, the exact opposite is true. For example, if a drama-free person says they want something to be different, they work to change it. If a drama slave says they want something to be different, they continue to complain and gossip about it because they actually like the ongoing attention.
Drama-free people feel empowered and creative, and they accomplish their goals. Drama slaves will likely tag drama-free people as being lucky, favored, or (I’ve even heard the term) “Pollyanna.” But that’s just not true. It’s not luck. It’s a choice and a skillset. You can have it if you really want it, but it means you have to give up some ways of operating that may have become second nature to you.
Drama-free people are committed to making a difference. Drama slaves make excuses.
Drama-free people are creative and collaborative. Drama slaves are combative.
Drama-free people create their own reality. Drama slaves play the victim.
Drama-free people refuse to be drawn into negativity or toxic conversations. Drama slaves start, perpetuate, and enjoy gossip, complaining, and blaming.
Drama-free people are empowered by the undeniable fact that they are ridiculously in charge of themselves and their experience. Drama slaves believe they don’t have a choice.
This week, instead of constantly watching and evaluating what others around you do, put the focus on yourself. Watch and evaluate where you might contribute to drama and where you could take a different, more positive, and empowered approach. If you really want something to be different, then be the change you wish to see first. And don’t expect others to necessarily support you in this change. They have likely become used to seeing you one way, and when you decide to act in a different way, they may react negatively. When you step up your game, you automatically shine a light on theirs which can be uncomfortable. Do it anyway. You are the only one who gets to choose whether you will play this game of work and life as a drama-free person or as a drama slave. Choose wisely. The quality of your life depends on it.
Just because some people are fueled by drama, doesn’t mean you have to attend the performance.
~ Cheryl Richardson