Quit Collecting Index Cards

Warren Buffett’s business partner and investment guru Charlie Munger tells this story:

“I have a friend who carried a big stack of index cards. Whenever someone said something that reflected self pity, he handed them a card: Your story has touched my heart. Never have I heard of anyone with as many misfortunes as you.”

The moral of the story: stop collecting index cards.

Complaining doesn’t accomplish anything positive, other than allowing us to vent. Perhaps venting should be kept to one’s spouse or a very close friend.

Orison Swett Marden called complaining “syndicating your sorrows.” By sharing with others, you bring your sorrows and disappointments into their lives.

We all have complaints. I’m guilty of complaining and certainly haven’t completely broken the habit in my own life. What I have learned is that there is little, if any, upside to complaining. It paints you as a negative and unappreciative person. Why unappreciative? Because in the midst of any disappointments and setbacks, there are still blessings to be counted. And there is always–yes, I know this sounds cliche–someone who has it worse than you.

There are times we can benefit from venting to a friend who is willing to listen. But complaining is usually about giving voice to grievances and injustices we feel we’ve suffered. If there is something that can be done to address and right a complaint, then do it. If not, remember not to talk about it. You’ll just be collecting index cards.

Meet The Author, Mark Sanborn

Mark Sanborn is an inspirational leadership keynote speaker and international bestselling author topping top book lists around the world such as the New York Times, Businessweek and The Wall Street Journal.

Mark holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) from the National Speakers Association that is only held by about 12 percent of the 5,000 + professional registered speakers worldwide. He’s also a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame (CPAE), past president of the National Speakers Association [NSA] and winner of The Cavett, the highest honor bestowed by that organization. 

He delivers more than 40 keynotes worldwide each year to clients that include: SAP, GM, Costco, ReMax, Bosch, Double Tree, Chick-fil-A, Microsoft, John Deere, AT&T, Cisco, Harley Davidson, American Express, Bank of America, Union Pacific, Toyota and dozens and dozens more.

Learn more about working with Mark Sanborn at https://www.marksanborn.com.