There is no doubt that other people influence us. And there is a psychological law that makes people react to the attitudes and actions of others. We also tend to live up to or live down to the opinions people hold of us.
When other people try to influence you, remember this: it’s your life, not theirs.
Let them plan their own. Stop worrying about what others think or say about you.
Trying to please everyone is a certain recipe for failure.
Remember also that when people try to influence you, they are usually speaking from their own beliefs, experiences, and what they think is right for them. Quite often, what they express is simply an opinion based on an assumption.
Learn to question it.
“Why do you say that?”
That simple question can make someone stop and reconsider what they’ve just said. And probably annoy them because no one has questioned them before.
Having good self-esteem, which is how you truly feel about yourself, will stop others from trying to control you. Good self-esteem comes from honest self-edification instead of constantly undermining yourself with what you believe are your limitations.
As long as you believe those limitations are true, you will remain hijacked by your own shackles of thought.
Throw those shackles away.
You only get one life.
Take charge of it.
This Week’s Monday Motivator
Be aware that other people will always have opinions, advice, and expectations for your life. Listen carefully, but do not surrender your direction to them. Respect yourself enough to think clearly, question assumptions, and build a life that aligns with your own values and purpose.
Prompt for the Week
Where in my life have I been allowing the opinions or expectations of others to influence decisions that should truly be my own?
