Don’t be a puppet.
The future has many names: for the weak it’s unattainable, for the fearful it’s unknown and for the bold it’s ideal…Victor Hugo
Get Ready to be rejected – it is just another obstacle on the road to success.
When you trace your own path in life, you will encounter obstacles. One of these obstacles will be rejection. Rejection is often accompanied by bad feelings. Fear and uncertainty infiltrate. You will feel unworthy. Suddenly, you will doubt your ability to accomplish your goals. You will see your peers as the enemy. Do not stoop to this level and do not let negative emotions take over you. Do not let the perception of others shape your perception of yourself. You are always the same person.
Someone else with their perception, judgment and way of thinking, will place upon you this rejection. Rejection is not only centred on one individual rejecting another. It is also present in a society rejecting a certain group of people. This is often based on the values, perceptions and traditions the society, the group or person is trying to maintain as the status quo.
To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing…Aristotle
Get comfortable with it if you are to follow your own path in life. Giving up control of our lives and letting others manipulate us, is a freedom that some of us will never give up at any cost. But, be careful thinking you have control! The line between having control and manipulation can become a little fuzzy in some situations. Pay attention to those around you that try to keep you in a submissive state. They will paint a picture, it’s for your own best and make you feel it’s coming from you. This is always a great time to put in perspective what they have to offer against your values. Are these met and does it line up with your goals? Don’t be fooled and get comfortable with being rejected, this is just another obstacle that will help you learn and help you succeed.
Rejection happens when others take a position of comfort, they don’t want to rock the boat. The status quo shapes their perception. They are less comfortable with new horizons, not to prevent progress, but to avoid positioning themselves in an unknown situation. Their decisions are rooted in the past. The unknown is uncomfortable, why would they take a risk? They want to stick to traditions and take familiar actions that have a defined outcome in the past. It is sometimes difficult to navigate among those who are moving away from change. But watch carefully, their fears will present you with better solutions and opportunities.
By avoiding being the puppet of others, you will be perceived as nonconformist. A person who questions authority. A person who wants to change everything. Please, stay in this mindset if you choose to make a positive difference in your life and that of others. Challenge the status quo. Challenge the traditions. These questions will reveal different choices and will also reveal better options that would not be discovered if no one questions. Another way to see tradition and the status quo is to be comfortable. When you move away from them, you leave the comfort zone. You must accept that discomfort is not always desired by others around you.
Great changes in society and in business are associated to some individuals questioning the status quo.
Do not let others manipulate you with their opinions and perceptions. Face rejection with a positive attitude even when the situation is difficult to swallow. Be prepared and respect your beliefs. Hold on to the path you have laid out in front of you and be certain and confident in what you want to accomplish.
Yes, avoiding being the puppet of others will sometimes bring you rejection, but it will also bring you satisfaction and success in your life. You will thank yourself for this mindset. Respecting your values will also have a positive effect on those around you. Big changes in society and business are associated with the status quo being challenged. Prepare to be rejected if you do not want to be manipulated. Are you the next spark of innovation and positive change?
