By Cathy Holloway Hill
My courageous leap-of-faith story was recently featured in the August 2010 issue of Ebony Magazine, and I challenge you to figure out why the opinion of others matters so much to you?
Do you worry what other people think and ignore your own opinion?
Do you give more importance to how other people will feel about your decision rather than considering your own point of view?
Of course we all need to consider other people to be decent and sensitive. But if we care too much what other people think, we live by our imaginations of others’ thoughts! Do you really want to live like that?
Most individuals don’t understand who they are or what they want, so why would you leave your critical life choices and decisions in the hands of someone else? As humans, we all need validation, acceptance, and approval from those we love. But if those people don’t know how to design their own lives, how do you expect them to help design yours? The sooner you can let go of what others think and truly believe in yourself, your dreams, and your abilities, the sooner you will be headed toward the life of your dreams.
Oftentimes, other people actually take comfort in seeing the failure of others. When we don’t love ourselves, we aren’t capable of loving and supporting others. If you know the individual giving you advice is living a toxic unfulfilling life, then you may want to re-think how you process his or her opinion.
Change is difficult, and we all need and want help when trying to make a change; especially when it’s a change that appears risky. Very few people will support you in a risky change. But keep in mind, this is YOUR life; and therefore, the only person best equipped to make the ultimate decision is you.
Step out of your comfort zone and move away from your “comfort friends”, and find like-minded individuals who will support, motivate, uplift, and encourage you to pursue your passion and your dreams. There are many organizations that will help support you and hold you accountable to ensure you stay on track.
This is also where a life coach could offer significant value. Athletes, musicians, entertainers, dancers, and professionals from all walks of life have coaches to help perfect their skill in their chosen industry. If you are a Christian, your pastor is your “spiritual coach.” A life coach will help perfect your life and decision making, skills; and all successful people, at one time or another, have used the services of a life coach.
Your destiny is in your hands, and you have to make the final decision of whether you want to own your life or leave it up to the decisions and advice of others. If you choose to live by chance, then you take whatever comes along; however, if you choose to live by choice, the sky is the limit!
Website: www.chollowayhill.com
Email: info@chollowayhill.com
