Water Off A Duck’s Back

“What other people think of me is none of my business”
~Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady and Philanthropist~

The greatest obstacle to success on any level is being overly concerned about what other people may think of you.

The majority of people in Japan are very concerned about what others think of them.  They follow rules which many outsiders might find suffocating.

“What would your boss, mother, father or neighbor think?” is given deep consideration in social circles.  This concern for acting appropriately can bring orderliness and conformity, two positives for society.

But it also means that mindless behaviors – such as smoking, excessive drinking or adultery get a cultural wink.  Moreover, it stifles creativity and the willingness to take risks – something a majority of people never do here.

The best strategy is to follow your heart, since we all have only one life to get things right and an undetermined number of years to attain excellence.

The best intention of friends, colleagues and others you associate with are usually detrimental to your best interest and happiness.

If someone praises you, don’t attach yourself to that adulation too much because the other side of the coin – when that person scolds or scorns you – will lead to disempowerment and devastation.

You should never let external events steer your internal compass.  If you know who you are and what you want and need to maximize your happiness, then trust yourself to navigate the unchartered waters of life.

Everybody has opinion, but yours is the most special for you  It’s time to get off the emotional roller coaster by ceasing to try to please everyone.  You can’t satisfy everyone and trying to do so will inevitably displease most people you want to be at your side.