We’ve all heard the saying that one way to be unhappy is to try to make everyone else happy. I used to think I had that one handled – that I tried to make the people who were important to me happy (family, customers, employees) and I wasn’t trying to make the world happy – so I’m good.
But in the end, I don’t want people to dislike me. I guess I’m no different than most people. There will be people that say nasty things about you behind your back, or anonymously online. If we take it to heart, we will change our behavior and start living small, where you can’t do much people can criticize. In fact, you wouldn’t do much at all. That would be giving your power away to the critics.
The reality is, that people levy harsh criticism of others mostly because of what is going on with themselves, not you. Your existence just happened to cross paths with their attention, and they spewed some unkind words. But a few minutes later they were on to something else, and forgot about you altogether.
This is not to say that you shouldn’t listen to the feedback the world is giving you. But even if you are doing great stuff, not everyone will approve of what you are doing. And there are always the snipers, who have personal shame, shortcomings or pain they are trying to mask by bringing someone else down.
Take any power they have over you away.
Ignore them.
Such good wisdom! Very empowering!
I am enjoying the Summer very much! I will also choose to enjoy the other seasons as they come! Each day is an opportunity to live in the Now!
Thanks Larry. This is very helpful !
Great advice! Eleanor Roosevelt gave it in a different way
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
You must do the things you think you cannot do.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Rings true – Thank you Larry