On the topic of avoiding unfortunate projections

Most of us know well enough the experience of struggling with personal problems from time to time. In many cases, nothing is easier than to blame other people or other things for the obstacles in one's way. But if a solution to the problems is needed, a little rule may be advantageous to keep in mind. I do not know whether there is a canonical form of it; the version I like to follow is this:

Do not project internal problems onto external circumstances.

It is so easy to give difficult times and other people's absurdities the blame for one's own demons, but it only rarely leads to anything constructive; times are no more favorable, and people no more reasonable, when they are blamed for something you go around struggling with yourself.
This does not mean that you should mess with your problems on your own. Much good can be achieved through the help of good friends in confidence - or, in severe cases, through professional help - but basically one has to resolve one's internal problems oneself, with or without help.
(Translated from Noget om at undgå uheldige projektioner, originally published January 29th, 2013)