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I once gave a presentation entitled, How to Win Over Difficult Prospects, and as I was preparing this Bullfighting, Rabbit-Chasing and Wrestling With Pigs metaphor synchronistically and serendipitously appeared.

Funny how those little manifestations occur when you’re working diligently at creating something…an example of the Law of Attraction in Action!

Although the presentation was primarily targeted for use in business situations, I believe you’ll find this metaphor useful in all areas of your life where you’re interacting with people.

Sometimes we have to be like a bullfighter.

So, what is it that the bullfighter does? He invites the bull to charge at him, but moves out of the way so he does not get hit by the bull.

Question: Got any bull in your Life?

Those are the situations when another person is angry or otherwise irritated and they are directing their frustration towards you. You will never win if you try to butt heads with a charging bull.

Therefore, if you invite the bull forward into the conversation by validating his or her feelings (that does NOT mean that you are agreeing), offering some empathy, and saying the three magical words of listening, “Is there more?”, you will save yourself both energy and heartache - and headaches, too. Head-butting an oncoming bull is very tough on the noggin).

So, what does that have to do with rabbits?

Think about trying to catch a jack-rabbit in the wild.

You will run and run and run until you are completely exhausted, and you still will have not caught the rabbit. There are some people who will want to talk and talk and talk once you give them the opportunity to do so.

The conversation can result in chasing one rabbit after another. The antidote to rabbit-chasing is to stay focused. Acknowledge the person’s desire to go off subject, but then gently re-direct them back on the path of the topic. Repeat as often as needed.

In addition, there are also conversations that have their whole basis in rabbit-chasing; meaning that there is no way to get closure or resolution within the conversation.

Take for example someone who wants to be “right” about their opinion. If you engage in that conversation, you can plan on feeling drained and quite possibly frustrated.

When you recognize those conversations, it may be very wise of you to gracefully excuse yourself, and not accept the invitation into the conversation. Which brings us to pig-wrestling…

There is an old adage that goes something like this: “If you wrestle with a pig, it matters not whether you win or loose, because you both end up covered in mud, and the pig likes it”.

There is no point of getting into a power-struggle or argument with someone who only wants to argue. These are the places where a firm boundary would be appropriate.

So, if you learn the fine art of bull-fighting, and stay away from chasing rabbits and wrestling with pigs, you will find yourself having plenty enough positive energy to do whatever it is that you would like to do with your Life.

So my last question to you (for today) is: What is it that you would like to do with your Life?

Ken Donaldson has been offering counseling, coaching, and educational programs since 1987. His programs are focused on empowering people to have more successful lives, businesses and relationships. Claim your FREE Relationship Success Special Report at Marry YourSelf First!. Ken is the author of Marry YourSelf First! Saying “I DO” to a Life of Passion, Power and Purpose.