Analyze and filter the source!
By A. Yanina Gomez, Ph.D.
I don’t know if you’ve experienced this but, I’ve met people who LOVE to give their opinions and feedback without me asking. There are times in which they are constructive and fruitful, yet other times they are very destructive and unwelcome. People love to share their opinions. My husband and I have a teenager and a 10-years old. Still, people are happy to tell us that we should have a third child. Can you believe this? For crying out loud..!
There is an elite human species known as authentic-minded individuals. They tend to demonstrate care, compassion, honesty and legitimate desire to help and see you succeed. They might be where you want to be, have walked through your shoes or perhaps is someone who truly have your best interest in mind.
And, there are those who enjoy sharing their pessimistic and senseless opinions. Somehow, they believe that they are helping you. Those who say that art is not a real career or that your art is not good enough to make it in the competitive world of art. To top it off, you have those who are surrounded by either a gray or a dust cloud (picture a depressed Pigpen from Charlie Brown) and willingly transfer their negative vibes to you. Those who always see the glass half empty and constantly announce that we are surrounded by chaos and distress and life simply sucks.
When it comes to taking in the opinions of others, let me give you a suggestion: choose wisely! Seek and consider the advice and opinions of authentic-minded people (e.g., family, friends, acquaintances or simply someone you admire) and those who have arrived at the place you want to be.
The truth is, we all make mistakes, and having someone pointing out your mistakes in a constructive and caring manner can make a huge difference. And you will potentially save yourself a huge headache.
If you surround yourself with negative and pessimistic individuals, you will likely become influenced or affected by them in one way or another. Don’t internalize the words of others without analyzing and filtering the source first!
Discard negative and antagonistic words that are delivered to you. It’s your choice! As Jim Rohn once said: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” So, choose wisely!
What strategy have you found effective when it comes to filtering and letting in the words of others? Head over to our comments below to share!
As always, artists who maintain an optimal wholeness balance (Mind, Body, Soul) will be ahead of the game!
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