“Don’t let it bother you.” How often have you heard or said that? It is usually about things we shouldn’t let bother us.

But what about the important things, the things that make a difference? Some things should really bother us.

If we let important things stop bothering us, we become numb to needed change. We settle for mediocrity rather than excellence. We ignore how much a bad situation bothers others and seem indifferent to them.

Don’t be a service rep who isn’t bothered when the customer is disappointed. Let it bother you enough to regain the customer’s loyalty.

Be an engineer who is bothered by a “good enough” design mentality. Be a leader who is bothered by policies that don’t support employees, or red tape that creates hassles for customers.

Let it bother you when you see someone being treated poorly and you can intervene to prevent it. Be a parent who is bothered if your son or daughter is growing distant or not doing well at school. Take action, even if it is difficult.

Let it bother you when someone is spreading gossip and you can defend the accused. If you are in politics, be truly bothered by the shortcomings of the system and work to change it.

Let your own bad performances, mistakes and shortcomings bother you enough to improve and become better.

Petty annoyances and inconveniences? Don’t let them bother you. But something important that matters? Please, do let it bother you.