Ever found yourself burying a dream, stopping a new idea from even getting off the ground, or changing your path because of what someone might think?
You haven’t even got any objective evidence on what they are thinking, merely what they “might” think?
When did you develop the power to mind-read?
However, I don’t want to be overly harsh as it’s a common human experience. We’re wired for connection, and a part of that often translates into a desire for approval from others and especially our peers.
However, here’s a challenging yet liberating truth: if you genuinely want to succeed at something meaningful, you must stop letting others’ opinions dictate your actions.
Constantly seeking external validation is like trying to navigate a ship in a storm, with every gust of wind (eg other people’s opinion) threatening to throw you off course and into the rocks. You’ll end up spending so much energy trying to please everyone – an impossible task anyway, as you can’t please everyone – that you lose sight of your destination and where you ultimately want to be.
You will then discover that your focus shifts from your own goals, growth, and unique vision to managing perceptions that are often not even present.
The Perils of People-Pleasing in Pursuit of Success:
When your primary driver is the approval of others, several things happen:
- You Dilute Your Vision: Authentic success often comes from a unique perspective or a novel approach. If you’re constantly worried about judgment from others, you’re more likely to stick to the well-trodden, “safer” paths, diluting your original spark that excited you in the first place.
- You Stifle Your Growth: True growth involves taking some risks, making mistakes along the way, and learning from them. The fear of looking foolish or failing in front of others can paralyse you, preventing you from taking the very steps necessary for success.
- You Become a Reflection, Not a Source of Innovation: Instead of innovating and leading, you become a mirror reflecting what you think others want to see. This can lead to a life and career that feels inauthentic and unfulfilling. As the saying goes, “Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.”
- Your Energy is Misdirected: Every moment spent worrying about someone else’s opinion is a moment not spent honing your talent, developing your skills, or pushing towards your objective. Success requires focused effort, and that focus needs to be internal.
Shifting the Focus: From External Validation to Internal Drive
Realising this isn’t about disregarding all feedback or becoming dismissive of it. Constructive criticism from trusted sources can be invaluable. However, it’s about fundamentally shifting your locus of control from external to internal. By all means, take the constructive criticism on board, but don’t think it is absolute.
If, however, you receive the same criticism from multiple sources, then that may be something you need to address. However, trying to act on all criticism is a journey to nowhere.
- Know Your “Why”: A strong understanding of your own motivations and goals provides a solid foundation. When you’re clear on why you’re doing something, the opinions of those who don’t share or understand your vision matter less.
- Embrace Your Uniqueness: Your perspective is your superpower. Don’t be afraid to be different. History is filled with successful individuals who were initially misunderstood or criticised.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection (or Perception): Concentrate on your efforts and the small wins along the way. Success is a journey, often a messy one. Prioritise your standards and your commitment to your goals.
- Realise Most People Aren’t Thinking About You (That Much or at All): It’s a humbling thought, but most people are preoccupied with their own lives and challenges. The judgment you fear is often magnified in your mind.
Ultimately, the path to significant achievement is paved with self-belief and an unwavering focus on your own aspirations. When you stop needing the world to approve of your choices, you free yourself to make the choices that will lead to your success.
It’s your journey, your definition of success – so own it and do it.