I'm constantly asked how best to deal with difficult people. And I constantly answer that a clear and purposefully focused mind knows just what to do and say - and just how to do and say it - to ensure that you're not distracted, drained or knocked off course by the inevitable inappropriate behaviour of normal crazy people.

But what does that mean? For a start, aren't we prone to react to what's going on and doesn't reaction generally make matters worse? The answer is a resounding "Yes" to both those questions. Not only that, we are neurally "wired" to react. What I'm talking about, however, is conscious, deliberate and mindful action... and there's a world of difference. When we mindfully act, we do and say just what is necessary. Sometimes we find ourselves saying the unthinkable... things we would never consider saying from the safety of our comfort zone. We become brave and courageous - but, remember, bravery and courage are just words used by normal people to describe something they would never do but which the mindful person does (and this is the important point) without thinking about it.

What if someone takes offence? That is there problem! Perhaps you've said what should have been said many weeks, months or even years ago. And, if you've said it mindfully - and remained mindful - you won't get sucked into their little drama. What if you lose a friend as a result of calling a spade a spade? Well, if that is the case, how true a friend was the person? Or did you just mutually agree to wander through acquaintance and pass it off as a friendship that made you both feel better (which suggests that you were otherwise feeling worse!).

Perhaps you're better to sleep on things or let the matter lie. Perhaps the other will see the error of their ways. These perhapses are what gives normal crazy people the inch that inevitably turns into a mile. Nip it in the bud - the best way to deal with conflict is long before it gets that far. Yes, sometimes it takes bravery and courage but a mindful mind doesn't know the difference between that and the blindingly obvious thing to do.