“You don’t know how much I don’t care about what you
think of me!”

That was the opening statement of a speaker at a conference I attended. He was making the point that he was not interested in any unsolicited opinions.

In my previous ezine, I discussed Narcissism—where individuals are completely self-centered—and how that unhealthy condition can impair normal functioning. In this article, I suggest that the opposite character trait also can be destructive—where we constantly worry about what others are thinking about us.

Now before you deny you are part of that “worry” mindset, think back to any time in your life where your behaviors and/or actions were driven by what other people might think or say about you. I am not talking about illegal or rude behavior . . . just normal actions.

Last week, my teenage kids wanted me to change the shirt I was wearing. According to them, it was out of style. They wanted to see me in something more modern. Now the two of them DO have a keen eye for fashion, but isn’t fashion simply society’s take on what’s currently “in”? I didn’t care about the style, but they did.

Here’s my point: Whose thoughts should matter to you?
Yours!

In today’s social-media-driven society, individuals can rant via Facebook and other platforms to anyone about anything. I recall seeing on You Tube two total strangers communicating in a very abusive way about a TV show. Why engage in such juvenile behavior?

One psychologist noted in her research that we have become a reflective-criticism society—“Looking for the negative in just about everything and telling everyone else about it.” That’s a sad commentary on the current direction of our culture.

Although many marketers suggest our client communities can provide invaluable feedback about our businesses (I partially agree with that), the criticism or critique should never apply to our personal and professional lives. If I am constantly responding to what others say about me and who I am, what do I stand for?

You can’t stand for anything if you base your life and your decisions on what other people say about you; you would have to shift and change constantly, according to the numerous opinions of others.

Yes, we want to be liked and respected by others but that should not be a goal or an objective.

Our goal should not be to fit in,
but to be real, be seen, and be authentic in who we are!

Many individuals are living a life that is being projected on them by others. They are busy worrying about what others think of them, rather than embracing their own values, goals, and desires.

Unless your conduct is unethical, immoral, or illegal, don’t worry about what other people think.

Dan Shechtman is an example of someone who did not worry. He was recently awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry—for the discovery of quasicrystals. For the past 10 years, Dan’s colleagues had abandoned him and called him nuts; many professional societies and affiliations rescinded his status as a “member in good standing.” Even a previous Nobel Prize winner openly criticized Dan’s work . . . until recently . . . . when Dan’s research findings were independently verified. What if Dr. Shechtman had listened to the noise from others? His breakthrough discovery never would have happened.

Unfortunately, the truth is that if you are making a difference or stand for something, the haters may appear. One expert in professional development says she stays sane from all the hate emails through reading this statement on her wall.

“Don’t try to win over haters. We are not jackass-whisperers.”

It simply means ignore the comments from the mean spirited individuals, they are not worthy of your time, energy, or space.

Read and consider the Action Steps below to help you maintain a direction that is not driven by popular opinion or worry about what other people might say.

Included with each book . . .

• A complimentary Online Personal Style Indicator (PSI) assessmentValue: $45.00
• Your own personalized PSI report (20+ pages) about your specific Personal Style pattern and how to increase your effectiveness with self and others
• Detailed information about the 1 factor that will forever enhance your ability to build lasting relationships

Why Aren’t You More Like Me?™
Discover the Secrets to Understanding Yourself and Others!

Third Edition

Ken Keis