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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Seek council, not opinion.”

“Seek council, not opinion.”

—Greg Reid, Motivational Speaker, Author & Entrepreneur

Image from Unsplash by Ryoji Iwata

Where are you at a crossroad in life or at a point where you need to make an important decision?

Who are the most trusted advisors that have “been there, done that,” who can council you based on their knowledge, experience, and wisdom?

Opinions on most subjects are everywhere, and everyone has one. Many people offering their opinions—although well intended—are not well vetted by sufficient background and objectivity.

How wary are you of the opinionated people in your life?

EXERCISE:

On what personal or professional issue would seeking out experts and following the science be the wisest council to seek?

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.

The reason I talk to myself is

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

—George Carlin, Late American stand-up comedian and social critic

Image of George Carlin

Image from content.time

George Carlin, who passed away in 2008, was noted for his black comedy. No subject escaped his probing and ingenious mind. He had a surprising and penetrating way of making aspects of human nature hilarious to millions of people.

Today’s quote points out that we are constantly talking to ourselves and find our own opinions, perspective, and general views on all subjects of greatest appeal and value. Carlin knew that our favorite subject was ourselves. He was clever enough to poke fun at it, making him one of the most popular comedians of all time.

EXERCISE:

Where and how can the understanding that each of us talks to ourselves and prefers our owns answers help you improve your relationships and the results you desire, personally or professionally?

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?