Do What Is Right For You

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“Do what is right for you. No one else is walking in your shoes.”

Having awareness and consideration of what others think of us is also crucial for our growth. But if we go towards the extreme, it may prevent us from being maximally effective and authentic human beings. Being emotionally intelligent means knowing when to value another’s opinion, and when not to.

This quote highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-care. It reminds us that our needs and priorities are unique to us, and that we should not base our decisions on what others expect of us. Everyone is on their own journey and it is important to understand that what works for one person may not work for another.

Seeking others approval was conditioned to us at an early age. It gives us a sense of higher self-esteem, until we’re convinced that our self-worth is dependent on other’s recognition. Whenever we lose their approval, we feel the urge to win it back, no matter the cost. That’s because humans are evolutionarily wired to crave inclusions, primarily for survival reasons. The consequences of being rejected could get our prehistoric ancestors killed! As a result, our brains and behaviours adapted to avoid disapproval from others, even as times have changed and following the crowd is no longer crucial to survival.

When we make choices that align with our values and beliefs, we are able to live a more authentic and fulfilling life. On the other hand, when we make decisions based on the expectations of others, we may find ourselves feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from our true selves. It is important to remember that no one else is walking in our shoes, and we are the only ones who truly know what is best for us.

CEO of YourCoach and the bestselling author of “Life By Design”, Tom Ferry, describes that urge as an addiction that robs a person of his personal freedom. He suggests listening to other’s opinions but ultimately relying on one’s own perspective, goals, and happiness. Impressing others can do more harm than good to our lives in the long run.

As Brigham Young says, “Why should we worry about what others think of us, do we have more confidence in their opinions that we do our own?” We don’t always make the right decisions, but neither do they.

In order to make decisions that align with our needs, it is important to take time to reflect on our values and beliefs. This can involve journaling, meditating, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist. Once we have a clear understanding of what is important to us, we can then make decisions that align with our needs and priorities.

It is also important to remember that we have the power to change our circumstances. If we find ourselves in a situation that is not serving us well, we can take steps to change it. This may involve setting boundaries, ending relationships, or making other difficult decisions. However, by making these choices, we are taking control of our own lives and charting our own course.

In summary, this quote is a powerful reminder that we are the experts of our own lives. By understanding our own needs and priorities, we can make decisions that align with what is best for us. This allows us to live a more authentic and fulfilling life, free from the expectations of others.