Have you ever made a choice based on someone’s opinion? Either you think they may be right, or you don’t want the embarrassment of going against ‘popular’ thought.
We begin to doubt ourselves when other people chime in with their thoughts. “You shouldn’t do that,” or “that won’t work,” becomes everyone’s line of unsolicited advice.
Even though you didn’t ask for their input, they graciously give it away freely. Their opinion may make you hesitant or overthink your initial decision, but don’t let it become the dominating factor when making sound decisions.
Everyone Has An Opinion
It happens to all of us. We have this incredible plan on how to live our most productive and best life and someone hits us with a “if that was a great idea, someone would’ve done it by now.”
Your enthusiasm is crushed. Maybe they’re right – no one has ever done that, so it must be impossible. “Who am I to think I can do it? If it doesn’t work, I’ll be the laughing stock among my friends.”
No one likes to be embarrassed, or constantly reminded, “I told you so.” It stings when things don’t work out at first, especially when we think we have a way to make it happen. Be mindful – it’s a challenge. It can be overcome.
Backing away from your decision is letting them win. Just by their shallow words alone, they’ve demolished your dreams. Before, you were talking about this magnificent idea you were going to pursue. Now, you’re as quiet as a mouse because someone shot it down. How many times has this happened in your life?
Understand that most people’s reactions operate on autopilot, meaning they react without thinking. Their first thought is always negative. This attitude comes from someone else putting them down – now, they do it to others whenever they get the chance.
It’s not your insecurity – it’s theirs. No one has ever shown them support, so they don’t know how to show others support. This is a clue that it may be time to upgrade your group of friends.
Grow Your Circle Of Support
This may sound harsh, but it’s not other people’s responsibility to agree with you on everything you do. Their feelings about your capabilities can be harmful to your potential, but it’s your fault if you decide not to follow through.
Why does someone else’s opinion matter? So many of us stop what we’re doing, just because someone said it was ‘stupid’ or simply because they laughed. These are the same people who will flock to you once you become successful, even if they didn’t believe in you in the first place.
Strengthen your mind. People’s words may be hurtful, but you must see past that and respond with action. Bet on yourself! No one’s words should affect you enough to where you just stop believing in your abilities and drift through life, based on their opinion. Be accountable and take control of your own mind.
As Oprah said (loosely), “No one wants to ride the bus with you, but everyone wants to ride in the limo.” People show support after you accomplish your goal. Everyone will claim to know you and always ‘supported’ you in the beginning – at least, that’s how they’re going to tell it.
Your ideas aren’t for everyone to understand. That’s why it’s your idea and not theirs. Sometimes, it’s best to work in silence and let your achievements do the talking. Everyone doesn’t have to know what you’re doing – it only allows room for more doubt and uncertainty and you definitely don’t need that.
If your friends laugh at you when you speak about your lofty ambitions, it’s time to level up. There are people out there who aren’t afraid to encourage you, even if it doesn’t work out. In fact, they will inspire you to do more! That’s the environment you want to be in.
Words are powerful, as we can see with those who sidetrack us with their debilitating opinions. Speak your goals, but speak them to the right people. It could possibly make or break your ideas.
Handle Your Business
It’s okay to make new friends and grow – life is all about growth. Hanging with the same unproductive people will keep you in the same unproductive place, doing the same unproductive things. As you develop as a human, your interests and desires should develop, too. Give yourself permission to evolve into who you want to become.
Sort out the ‘weeds’ in your life. You know who those people are – you don’t have to dump them, but you can be friendly from a distance. Be around those who want to win and see their lives blossom to the next level.
You don’t want to just survive in laziness, you want to thrive in amazingness. Don’t let other people’s opinions and judgments push you in a negative direction. Make the decision that no one else’s ignorant thoughts will ever guide your life again.