Make it Better

I recently heard an interview with John Cleese of Monty Python fame. He said something that struck me and that I can't and won't forget. When asking for someone's opinion, whether for a story you've written, or anything else that you've created, don't ask them if they liked it. Because, of course, they will tell you that they did. Instead, ask them "How can I make it better?" The input will be a quite a bit different. That person is now feels involved in your project and will be a bit more forthcoming and honest.

After dwelling on this for a while, it occurred to me that this statement "How can I make it better?" applies to our lives right now. In this divisive age where complaints and anger seem to be the norm, maybe we should all step back and ask: How can I make it better?

When you've answered that question, act on it. I believe that alone can make a difference.