Dare to live without limits Week of 7/20/20

Following your own path is essential for success

Live life on your terms. Following your own path is essential. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Although there may be some satisfaction in proving your critics wrong, it should not be your motivation.
Although it may be tempting to argue with others who doubt your ability to succeed, nothing will be accomplished. Whether or not they believe you is irrelevant. Their opinions have no bearing on you whatsoever. Your success is dependent on your thoughts, attitude, and actions.
You know what you want to accomplish. You understand your needs and desires. You are aware of the path which is best for you. You can identify your capabilities. You are in touch with yourself better than anyone else.
Attempting to prove anything to anyone is pointless. Everyone has their own perception. You have no control over the thoughts of others. Pursuing your objectives requires time, effort, and dedication. Any attention you give to proving your legitimacy is wasted while you are being diverted from the pursuit of your goals.
Everyone has opinions.There is no shortage of people who are eager to give you theirs. Unfortunately, negative opinions are more prevalent than positive ones. Allow criticism to roll off your back. Engaging it is a trap. Nothing positive is ever accomplished by arguing with someone. A better strategy is simply walking away. You have no obligation to respond to what someone says to you.
It is impossible to please everyone. Regardless of who you are, what you do, or your level of expertise, there will be those who are not happy with you. Consider your favorite restaurant. The place is always packed. You love their food. Every item on the menu is absolutely delicious. The experience of eating there is outstanding. Yet, you will always find people who don’t like the restaurant.
How much success would you have trying to convince them that they should be happy eating there? It would never happen. You could spend endless time and effort attempting to prove that their assessment is wrong but you would accomplish nothing. Their negative opinion of the restaurant does not diminish your enjoyment of it in any way.
Everyone has their own standards for what they like as well as what’s important to them. If people can’t all agree on something as simple as good food, there’s no issue where all will agree. If a person doesn’t like something, or someone, there’s not much you can do about changing their mind. Since you probably won’t alter someone’s opinion, stop wasting your time.
You have no obligation to engage a person who is giving you their opinion. You can listen politely without offering any rebuttal. Keep in mind that just because someone acts, you are not obligated to react.
Taking this approach enables you to avoid becoming embroiled in conflict. Conflict requires the participation of at least two people so without your participation, there is no conflict. Utilizing this strategy requires you to remain uninvolved so you don’t take the bait for an argument.
You are not in competition with anyone. What someone else has accomplished, or what they own, has no bearing on your life. The naysayers who you will invariably encounter may be jealous of your accomplishments. Instead of looking to you for inspiration, they attempt to belittle you.
Believe in yourself. Be confident of your abilities. Have a clear picture of what you want to accomplish. Don’t become distracted by anyone’s comments. You never have to justify your chosen path.
You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Your goal is to be happy and content with the path you are travelling. Utilize self-monitoring to ensure you are making the desired progress. The comments made by others are of no concern to you.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. Email Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2020 Bryan Golden