Let Go of the Perceptions and Expectations of Others

Are you familiar with the story of the elephant and the rope?

As a man was passing some elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No huge chains, no restraints, and no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime if they so desired, break away free, but for some reason, they did not. They remained tethered.

He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these powerful animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” the trainer said, “when they are very young and much smaller, we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”

The man was amazed. These elephants could break away and be free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.

Do you find yourself stressed out thinking about what other people think of you? It's common to be influenced by those around us, especially the people we're closest to and whose opinions we value. However, when it comes right down to it, you're the person you have to make happy in the long run. What others think doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. In fact, putting value on the opinions of others can hold you back from achieving your dreams.

Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before? Or we are stuck by holding onto guilt, other's opinions, or a mindset of lack.

Failure is part of learning; we should never give up the struggle in life...we need to keep going one step at a time.

Here are some reasons you should let go of the perceptions and expectations of others, so you can start focusing on living your very best life.

They Can't Affect Your Worth

Your self-worth does not depend upon anyone other than yourself. What anyone thinks about you and the choices you make does not reflect upon who you are as a person. It can be easy to put more emphasis on what someone you care about thinks over your own beliefs. Try to avoid that trap, as it will only serve to keep you stuck in a life that's not authentic.

They Don't Know What's Best for You

No one can know what you've been through, what you bring to the table, and where you're going better than you can. Others don't know you as well as they may think they do. Always trust your gut when making an important life decision. You know yourself best. You ultimately must answer to yourself, not to anyone else.

Listening to Others Will Hold You Back

You'll never be able to reach your truest life desires if you are fixated on what others may think. Their opinions may not be in line with your true values and beliefs. When you follow their values system over your own, you're bound to end up on the wrong path for you.

They Probably Aren't Thinking About You

Truthfully, we're all programmed to be focused primarily on meeting our own needs. We're not selfish. We simply get caught up in our own day-to-day activities. That means it's likely that others aren't giving your life and the choices you make as much consideration as it may feel like they are. So, get out there and live your own life without worry what others think. They probably aren't thinking about you, anyway.

You'll Never Please Everyone

Someone will always be critical of you, so it makes sense to live life on your own terms. Sometimes the people you care about may not actually want you to grow and thrive because that means you might leave them behind. You can't make everyone happy, so please take the time to focus on fulfilling your own dreams and priorities.

Live an Intentional Life

If you've been following my blog, then you know the importance of living from an authentic place of joy.  The philosophy of the Indian Proverb, A House With Four Rooms, is to do something daily for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In my lifestyle coaching membership, A Pilgrimage to Self, we learn about mindfulness, self-awareness, setting boundaries, and tuning into what gives your life extraordinary meaning and purpose.

The blog, Just a thought...,shares ideas from some of the PATHS of A Pilgrimage to Self to empower you to live intentionally, connect to your authentic self, and experience the extraordinary. 

Keep these tips in mind when you find yourself being consumed by the opinions of others. What they think doesn't matter. Remember, what other people think of you is none of your business. Only you know what's best for you. This is YOUR journey, so experience the joy!

Until next time...

Lisa

P.S. Check out my affiliate link for the Community Book Project: Independence on Amazon Kindle...I am thrilled to have contributed an essay to this project which asks "What does independence mean to you?"

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