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What Others Think
I don’t care what people think. Really. Honestly. As far as general “people”, I’m not so concerned. Of course I value what my close friends and some family members think, but I’m not going to let it stop me from following my gut, from following my heart , or from going where I need to go.
Actually, people always ask me, “How do you do that?) How do you not succumb to the social pressure to conform, wonder how people will judge you and think about what they say behind your back?
Well, the truth is that I’ve had a lot of practice. I’ve always been a little weird, a little different In fact, I learned early on from many strong heroines in pieces of literature that it was okay to be weird and different. Avi’s Charlotte, for example, Anne of Green Gables, Elizabeth in Sweet Valley Twins, a few of the girls from The Babysitters’ Club to name a few others.
They were adamant that being different was fine, that people could love you for your inner beauty and that there was more than meets the eye to most people.
Isn’t the power of literature and reading on a child’s brain impressive? If you’re looking for resources on bullying in schools, this page has some good ones. Maybe reading about strong heroes who overcome adverse situations and are happy non-conformists can help.
So thinking I’m “not cool” or “not worthy” or “not a (insert dream profession here) won’t help, but how do you avoid the thoughts?
It’s really about ignoring the naysayers, in my view. The people who stand in your way and cast doubt on your dreams, those who ignore you and insist that what they think is the only my way to go about achieving your goals. Keeping these negative thoughts out of your train of thought can be difficult!
How To Ignore the Naysayers
Calming Your Inner Dialogue
I wrote a whole motivational post on quiet minds and the intuition they can foster. When we manage to calm the mind, thoughts become more clear.
As much as am focused on my own thoughts, not the judgment of others, I have trouble with this one myself! So, the advice in that post is based mainly on research and as tad of experience on what not to do.
I have trouble with this one myself! So, the advice in that post is based mainly on research and some If you know me, you know that I’m really energetic and often have a hard time with the “inner peace” idea. In fact, I wrote a whole motivational post on quiet minds and the intuition they bring to the table.
Talking To Yourself (In A Great Way)
Here are 3 tips:
1. Pretend You’re A Friend
2. Use Constructive Criticism
Rather than telling yourself what you do wrong so the turn, catch yourself when you’re doing something right. Maybe you had a really productive day, or you remembered to slow down and breathe to calm yourself down, or powered through a project before a deadline.
3. Think Positively, Act Willingly
Rather than telling yourself what you do wrong so the turn, catch yourself when you’re doing something right. Maybe you had a really productive day, or you remembered to slow down and breathe to calm yourself down, or powered through a project before a deadline. Be sure to think about the things you do right, too, and acknowledge them.
Well, I hope this little Monday post was helpful. What do you to ensure you believe you can reach your goals? Let me know in the comments below 🙂
Have a lovely and productive Monday!
P.S. Photo fans, the photo for today’s post (and poster!) is one I took in Keswick, England in 2013
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