Opinions Can Stunt Your Growth.

For the past couple of weeks, I found myself asking the question ‘WHAT DO YOU THINK?‘ a lot lately. Even for something as simple as responding to a text message, I felt the need of asking for an opinion from a third party. This is not entirely bad, its great to get advice and opinion from the people around you, friends, and family. However, this behavior can become toxic if you are now failing to live as an independent human being. Constantly asking for an opinion from the next person can indicate a lack of trust in yourself and the need for approval from the next person. This type of environment/ state of being does not allow you to grow to your full potential. It’s difficult to unleash the full potential in you when your bar is set by the people around you and not yourself.

Here is the thing, whether you ask for them or not you will always get an opinion on how you should have done things or on the decisions you make. It’s almost inevitable to not receive an opinion because of social media. The bottom line is someone is going to have something to say about any decision you will make. Hey, don’t get me wrong getting advice is not bad, but the ultimate decision has to be made by you, now that’s growth. Joel Osteen once said, Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and that’s okay and you have every right to ignore it.

Most people’s dreams died when they decided to share and hear the next person’s opinion on their dream. How many times have you shared a dream and soon after the conversation you lost the drive you had before you engaged in that conversation. Be protective of your dreams and goals, don’t just share them with every Tom Jack and Harry. Some people are dream stealers. Respect others’ opinions on general topics and beliefs but when it comes to your dream and goals be very particular about whom you listen to.

Negative Effects of Constantly asking for an opinion before you act on a decision

• makes you have a lack of confidence in yourself as you continuously begin to second guess every decision
• you cannot live an independent life
• lose your identity and deprive yourself of knowing you.
• you can’t be spontaneous and allow yourself to experience true happiness
• you tend to overthink even on the simplest things and this can lead to one living in anxiety

It’s difficult to live a fulfilled life if you are living in the state mentioned above. Am sure this gives you a glimpse of why the outside environment’s opinions can be toxic for your personal growth. So how can we stop being addicted to other people’s opinions or how can we not let others’ opinions, asked for, or not asked for affect our lives? I will list the steps below but in simple terms recognize your life is not about people, it’s about you!

• intentionally make small decisions in private and act on them.
• Examine your intentions behind asking for an opinion before you do.
• When you are bombarded with unnecessary opinions remind yourself that it’s about you and act from your heart
• Avoid sharing your dreams with small-minded people.

Remember though, just like anything in life we need to strike a balance. Some opinion is absolutely helpful. You will need to grow to decide which opinions are worth your attention and which ones are not.

#dolifebig #becomethebestversionofyou.

tanyafungai