Ponderings (June 2007) - “TOLERATE”

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …

Tolerate is “to endure, put up with, to bear serious side effects or discomfort”

Sharing my thoughts …

What strikes me regarding the word “tolerate” is that sometimes I need to tolerate more and at other times I need to tolerate less.  The key is being able to distinguish between the two.  For example, over the years, I’ve learned to tolerate and value differences in work styles and belief systems.  I’m learning to tolerate my imperfections and mistakes (a tough task for Enneagram type One).  On the flip side, I do not tolerate disrespect, dishonesty, or selfish, inconsiderate behavior.  Of course, my level of tolerance and intolerance continues to evolve.  How about you?  What do you tolerate and not tolerate?

Questions to ponder …

1. What do you tolerate in yourself?
2. What do you not tolerate in yourself?
3. In what area of your life do you tolerate too little?
4. In what area of your life do you tolerate too much?
5. What are you tolerating that you should not be tolerating?
6. What are you intolerant of that you should learn to tolerate?
7. What actions can you take today to tolerate more?  Tolerate less?
8. How does your tolerance or intolerance affect your work environment?
9. Think of something you are currently tolerating.  What is the effect of your tolerance?
10. Think of something you are currently not tolerating.  What is the effect of your intolerance?

Related quotes …

Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival.  [Rene Dubos]

Tolerance always has limits – it cannot tolerate what is itself actively intolerant.  [Sidney Hook]

You get what you tolerate.  [John G Agno]

A man who cannot tolerate small ills can never accomplish great things.  [Chinese Proverb]

Executives owe it to the organization and to their fellow workers not to tolerate nonperforming individuals.  [Peter Drucker]