Do You Fall Victim to Others Opinions?

Have you ever had a moment of clarity? A moment where you realize that everything that you thought you were doing right might not be the right thing to do. Have you ever realized that you were trying to live up to how people thought you were, and not living up to who you really are?

I had an interesting conversation a while back about perceptions and how they can become reality. Has someone ever told you something about yourself, and you didn’t really think that was you, but it sounded good, so you thought why not live up to it?

This happens in a positive and negative way. Someone could tell you that they think you are so dedicated and hard working. From that point on you might strive to prove them right. That works in your benefit, because those are positive qualities to have.

However, someone might tell you that all you are Black and that you will never be able to succeed in life. So you begin to bring that statement into your reality. You get caught in the system and then you really never succeed in life.

Although one has a positive outcome, and the other does not, both of them indicate that you are not living for you; you are living based on what others think of you.

Today I want everyone to take a moment and ask God for clarity. Ask yourself who am I? This year take the first step toward living for you, and not other people.

Write down a list of characteristics about yourself and try to ignore the qualities that you heard other people say about you. Then think about how those qualities can help you succeed in life. As Black people we tend to fall victim the most to outside opinions. The bad thing about listening to other people to define yourself is that most people do not have your best interest at heart. They will give opinions of you not to help you, but to break you down.

Don’t be a victim to opinions!