Believe In You
A few times recently, I’ve had some push back on things I’ve said or posted. For a long time, I would take much of the pushback to heart. I wouldn’t waffle and change my thought, necessarily. However, my language would shift a bit.
I’m more of a natural peacemaker so I’d steer the conversation to a place where it wasn’t confrontational. There were times when I’d even remove a post because it could possibly cause me to be viewed in a way I’d have to defend.
Some months ago, I responded to a post and my wife told me my response was a jerk move. She was probably right. I deleted the post. But, that action brought me back to the many times I’d shifted my response simply based on one person’s thought.
I didn’t like it.
I hated the feeling.
I don’t like unnecessary arguments either. They feel like wasted energy to me. But, I admit there were definitely times when my actions were based on wanting as many people to like me as possible. If it was going to be controversial or contentious in any way, I stayed away. If there was pushback, I tried to smooth it out.
This constant looking around caused slow progress.
The runner who is always looking behind or to the side gets slowed down because they aren’t fully focused on the goal.
If I’m brutally honest, the real reason for this behavior was I simply didn’t believe in me. I doubted myself. My thoughts and ideas needed approval.
I’m not suggesting you should always dismiss everyone else’s opinion. But, if you are already considering everyone else before you’ve solidified belief in your own ideas, you’ll never move very far. You’ll be blown left and right because you are constantly aiming to please.
You want to move forward? Believe in you!
You want success? Believe in you!
You want influence? Surround yourself with success and believe in you!
Your ideas matter. Someone else will always think contrary to you. Someone else will always believe you’re wrong. And sometimes you will be. But believe in you enough to stick with it until you find the answer for yourself and not simply because someone else disagreed.
The journey is yours! Sure, you’ll take it with others. But, the only way you move forward is if you believe in you.
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About The Author
My name is Robert Kennedy III. I’m a professional speaker and author. I speak and write mainly about leadership and communication. Connect with me on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or on my website, RobertKennedy3.com
