We have to drive. We have meetings to go to, the office, schools, the gym, the store, and any number of other places. Most of these trips require the use of our vehicle.

However, we have a choice. We can let the pressures of the road get to us, or we can make sure that we are part of the solution and not the problem. Which is more important, being right or being safe?

There are two words, both of them containing four-letters, that describe opposite responses that we can have to driving.

The first is rage. This describes an aggressive, horn-honking, finger-waving, hand-gesturing, screaming, blood pressure-rising approach to driving where we are concerned with all of the mistakes the other guy is making and how that is impacting our ability to get where we want to on time. This can lead to accidents, an ulcer, or other complications. Not a healthy approach to driving although there are times I'm sure when we just like to push people off to the side who seem totally inept at driving.

The opposite approach is care. This is defensive driving. This is expecting the other guy to make a bonehead move. This is expecting that when you've left a comfortable following distance between you and the car in front that someone will find a way to fill that space. This is anticipating that someone, at some point, will decide to move from the left turn lane across four lanes of traffic and make a right turn at the same intersection. This is expecting other people to drive as if they are the only ones on the road and that you somehow are invisible.

Let's choose the correct 4-letter response. It's a much safer and healthier approach to driving and living.

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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings. © Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.