We all worry about all sorts of things all the time. Sometimes we worry about the weather if we’re planning an event, and sometimes we worry about what ‘everyone else’ will think when we’re doing our Thing. Sometimes we worry about something ‘big’, and sometimes it’s seemingly small but can take over our thoughts.
It’s not wrong, in my mind, to worry. What is a worry, however, is if you stop doing something you know you want to do, or what you know makes a difference, just because of worry. It’s natural to worry–often it’s a sign that you care about the outcome. I worry for my children, for my clients, for the world at large about all sorts of things, but what I have learned to worry about less is what people think of me.
And yes, I know how very hard it is to not worry about the worry of other people’s opinions. As someone who is very much a people-pleaser given half the chance, I’ve had to learn to be OK with the fact that not everyone will be pleased by me. My Thing is very much Marmite (you either love it or you hate it) and that’s very often the case when you take a stand for something, or do something differently. I know many people think what I do is silly, flippant, or ‘too much fun’. The fun comment I can laugh at because the whole point of how I like to do my Thing is that it’s fun (but also gets results). And of course everyone is entitled to their opinion. The point is, it’s just that–opinion. When you have facts to back up your Thing–testimonials, case studies, results, feedback, outcomes that prove your Thing works, you worry less. Facts and results can’t be disputed, but opinions always can.
If you worry about what people think of your Thing, build up your armour as much as you can with feedback, examples of it working and success stories. And get OK that some people just aren’t going to like you or your Thing–that’s OK. As long as there are plenty of people that do ‘get you’ and get your Thing, you’re good. Make sure you build your confidence from the clients that get results, and not from nay-sayers that are looking to punch you down. There is no point fighting a losing battle of wills when instead you can divert your attention and energy by building up a pile of success instead.
We all worry, so worry about what matters. What’s the next thing you can do with your Thing that makes it work even better? Now that’s a good thing to worry about.
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