Hi!
I’ve had some hard decisions to make recently and it’s got me thinking about how other people figure into our resilience.
No man is an island. What we do effects our people, so of course we need to consider the impact of our decisions on others. However…
Resilience is the ability to navigate change towards a positive goal. To become more the person you mean to be, to get closer to the life you want to live. And sometimes the people around you aren’t on board with your goal, or the path you take to get there. So how much should their opinions matter?
Part of the person you mean to be needs to include doing the best you can to keep your promises. Anyone under 18 that we’re responsible for deserves our attention – we don’t get to go off and pursue a goal that leaves their needs unmet.
If you’ve made commitments about your time and focus to your partner, your parents, your work – these are adults who deserve clear expectations and open communication.
Everyone else’s opinions are (wait for it)… none of your business.
That’s right. Guessing what “other people” will think or how they may judge you or even listening to them gossip about you will only get in the way of your resilience. If you’ve made no commitment to this person then their opinion is theirs. Their problem, their burden, not yours.
Don’t let other peoples’ opinions keep you from building the life you want.
Got anyone else’s opinions stuck in your head?
All my best,
Dr. G
