When it comes to living a meaningful life, whose opinion and feedback truly matters

When it comes to living a meaningful life, whose opinion and feedback truly matters?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by David Travis

How is your life going? How engaged, fulfilled and at home in your own skin do you feel?

These questions are pondered by many of us from time to time or perhaps all the time.

As conscious sentient beings, it’s our nature to contemplate our place in the world and consider why we’re here and if we are making the most of our journey.

On more than a few occasions we get confused, feel thwarted in our efforts and can’t find our way.

At times like these, we can all benefit from some guidance and direction from outside sources.

EXERCISE:

Who are the people that offer you the most useful perspective and feedback on the things that truly matter?

How can and will you take full advantage of these supportive resources during the holiday season and heading into the new year?

He never chooses an opinion, he just wears whatever happens to be in style

“He never chooses an opinion, he just wears whatever happens to be in style.”

Leo Tolstoy, 19th Century Russian, regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time

Image from Unsplash by Hermes Rivera

Wendy and I recently saw the film AIR — the story of how Nike pursued Michael Jordan to wear their basketball shoes.

One of the companies also competing for this sponsorship opportunity was Converse. At Creighton Elementary in the sixties and early seventies, having a pair of Chuck Taylors was a must. Any alternative sneakers were called Bo-Bo’s and this meant certain school yard ridicule and razzing.

To what degree can you relate to similar types of peer pressure and the need to conform? How does this influence your thoughts, beliefs, and social norms? Where do you find yourself going along to get along?

EXERCISE:

Where and how did you develop your current thinking about life?

How often do you stick with popular opinion and what’s in style?

Where do you feel the tug to go in another direction and still hesitate?

Friday Review: Opinion

Friday Review: Opinion

On what criteria do you base your opinions? How do you react to the opinions of others? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“Your first impression remains—but you can revise your opinion. Look once again and give someone a second chance!”

 

 

 

 

“Seek council, not opinion.”

 

 

 

 

“The only way some of us exercise our minds is by jumping to conclusions.”

 

 

 

Friday Review: Opinion

FRIDAY REVIEW: OPINION

On what criteria do you base your opinions? How do you react to the opinions of others? Here are a few opinion-related posts you may have missed.

 

“When the heart is afire, some sparks will fly out of the mouth.”

 

 

 

“The reason I talk to myself is because I’m the only one whose answers I accept.”

 

 

 

“Seek council, not opinion.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Review: Opinion

FRIDAY REVIEW: OPINION

On what criteria do you base your opinions? How do you react to the opinions of others? Here are a few opinion-related posts you may have missed.

 

“Your first impression remains—but you can revise your opinion. Look once again and give someone a second chance!”

 

 

 

“Be careful how you interpret the world: it is like that.”

 

 

 

 

“The only way some of us exercise our minds is by jumping to conclusions.”

 

 

 

Friday Review of Opinions

FRIDAY REVIEW: OPINION

What data or information do you use to form your opinions? Here are a few opinion-related posts you may have missed. Click to read the full message.

 

“Your first impression remains—but you can revise your opinion. Look once again and give someone a second chance!”

 

 

 

“Be careful how you interpret the world: it is like that.”

 

 

 

 

“The only way some of us exercise our minds is by jumping to conclusions.”

 

 

 

Their opinion of your potential has nothing to do with your opportunity to prevail

“Their opinion of your potential has nothing to do with your opportunity to prevail.”

—Brendon Burchard, High Performance Author

“What others think about you is none of your business” is a thought to consider, particularly when being judged harshly.

Consider your parents, teachers, bosses, and friends, and see how many of them sapped you versus zapped you over the years.

Unfortunately, many of these usually well-intended folks leave a negative wake and plant bitter seeds that can dramatically impact our self-worth and confidence.

EXERCISE:

Who are the negative, unsupportive, and even toxic people in your world that could be avoided?

Where and in what ways can and will you find the determination, grit, and tenacity to prevail in your most important priorities?

Consider working with a coach, mentor, or friend to support your efforts.

When the heart is afire

“When the heart is afire, some sparks will fly out of the mouth.”

—Thomas Fuller, 15th Century British historian

Image from Unsplash by Jamie Street

Today’s quote is about leadership. Take a moment to consider the sparks flying out of people’s mouths these days. Gun control, global warming, nuclear proliferation, politics, and the economy are just a few of the hotly debated subjects.

What topics have your heart afire? To what degree do you share your own thoughts and opinions on those topics with others?

EXERCISE:

Where is the status quo unacceptable in your personal or professional worlds? Where can and will you play a greater leadership role and let a few more sparks fly out of your mouth, sharing your heartfelt beliefs?

how you interpret the world

“Be careful how you interpret the world: it is like that.”

—Erich Heller, 20th Century British Essayist

image of flowers through a magnifying glass

image from Flickr by marco magrini

We humans are interpretation and opinion machines. As we navigate our worlds, we continually assess our environments and relationships through special filters we have created. Our perceptions really do create our reality and our experience of the world.

As talk show host Dr. Phil often says, “How’s that workin’ for you?”

What is your level of fulfillment, satisfaction, and general happiness with things as you see and interpret them?

EXERCISE:

Make an effort to expand your filter choices as you view your world today. Consider trying on a more hopeful, optimistic, open, forgiving, or creative perspective and see what happens.

A Second Chance

“Your first impression remains—but you can revise your opinion. Look once again and give someone a second chance!”

—Laurent F. Carrel, Messages from Melanie

Do Over image

Image from blue-route.org

Most of us are familiar with the adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Unfortunately, people come to rapid decisions based on their initial perceptions, which happens in mere seconds.

Today’s quote suggests that we all have the power to offer anyone a “do over,” the opportunity to shift our view of them to something far more positive and favorable.

EXERCISE:

Where would there be great value in offering others a second chance, personally or professionally?

Where could you ask those who do not perceive you as you desire for a “do over” as well?