Well, it’s almost THAT day of the year again. One guaranteed to send stress levels rocketing through the roof. And, with many people having already donned their metaphorical tin hat in anticipation (!), it’s not surprising that one – less that positive (!) – little mantra is so popular at this time of year. Although, to be fair, it’s a perennial favourite all year round.
Often known as “Sod’s Law” – or “Murphy’s Law” – it says quite simply, “If something can go wrong, it will.” While we haven’t been able to find out exactly who Sod was (!), apparently, Murphy’s Law came from a Captain Murphy. He was involved in the testing of high speed jets and said, of one of the technicians working on the project, that “If there is any way to do it wrong, he’ll find it.” It quickly became known as “Murphy’s Law” and another mantra – or motto – was born.
So, are we suggesting that you should fall back on this all too common “glass half empty” approach to the festive season?
Well, no.
Instead, we’re going to suggest two alternative little mantras to help smooth your path and get things moving in a much more positive direction.
Ready? Then here we go…
The easiest approach is to simply turn “Sod’s Law” round 180 degrees for a new “glass half full” approach.
If something can go right, it will.
Now, doesn’t that sound – and feel – so much better?!?
If something can go right, it will.
And, while it can be used reactively, it works much better when used proactively. In other words, just before starting – or even thinking (!) – about anything or anyone... We’re sure you already know what – or who (!) – they are…
If something can go right, it will.
Having taken the pressure off, here’s a great follow up, best taken after a deep calming breath (!).
Everyone is doing the best they know how.
Yes, everyone is really doing the best they know how.
Now, before we go any further, we’d like to emphasise a couple of things.
To start with, by everyone, we mean everyone. And that includes you. Yes, really. Goodness, that takes the pressure off!
Just as importantly, there are two other words in this little phrase we’d like to highlight. We’ll put them in capitals to make them easy to spot.
Everyone is doing the BEST they KNOW how.
In any situation – and regardless of how it may seem to those around them – we are each doing the BEST we KNOW how at that moment. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about it. Or the way in which it’s being done. Whether it could have been done differently – or not at all (!).
For that person at that particular moment, they’re doing the best they know how. Full stop. End of story. And that includes you. Now doesn’t that instantly take the pressure off?
Just because they – or you – have chosen to act – or react – in a particular way on this occasion, it doesn’t mean exactly the same will happen next time. After all, however similar a situation may seem, each one is unique. All possibilities are open. To act or react in the same – or similar – way or do things differently.
And, while we don’t like to think about it, none of us is exactly the same person as we were yesterday. Let alone will be tomorrow… Whether in the smallest of ways or a much more obvious one. It may seem rather a cliché but the only constant in life is change…
So, rather than letting the Little Monster in your head go straight into the “Judgement game” – which quickly leads on to the perennially favourite “Blame Game”, “It wasn’t me guv, it was them” – how about taking a deep breath. Repeating this little mantra to yourself.
Everyone is doing the best they know how.
Yes, everyone is really doing the best they know how.
By choosing not to be swept away in all the madness, you’ll remain in control of your life. Not only does this make life easier for you, but those around you too. While it may not always be easy to cut people a little slack, it reduces everyone’s stress levels no end. And this should be a huge incentive to do it in itself…
Even better, by being more accepting – and forgiving – of others when things don’t quite go to plan, you’ll find that people return the compliment. And, however much we may like to think the opposite, none of us are perfect (!).
More often than not, those who help us aren’t those we’ve helped. They’re simply people passing on the kindness they’ve received from others. It’s then up to us to pass it on and so the chain continues, unbroken. A little kindness really does help the world go round.
So, repeat after us:
“Everyone is doing the best they know how.”
“Yes, everyone is really doing the best they know how.”
And that includes you too. Phew!
So, this year, why not enjoy the company of friends and family, letting your new mantras help you along the way.
If something can go right, it will.
Everyone is doing the best they know how.
We wish you all a very happy and peaceful festive season and will be back as usual next week for our traditional – and different (!) – perspective on those dreaded New Year’s resolutions.
As always, the choice is yours.
Copyright © 2025 Elaine Smart, Smart Holistics. All rights reserved.
Share this post: