We say “Yes”, when we mean “No”.
We struggle to object, when people take advantage of us.
We go along for the ride, because we want people to like us.
We become ‘generic specialists’ because we think we can do it all.
When we try to be all things to all people, we are unhappy, and are more likely to fail.
We must learn to be selective about the work we do, and the people we choose to spend time with. We must consciously position ourselves, to manage how others perceive us. That’s only if we care what they think.
We were not designed to be doormats, or people pleasers. Sometimes the “Yes, I can” should be replaced with the “No, I don’t want to”. It’s ironic how we shape our behavior to be liked by those that are not relevant in our lives. Sometimes at the expense of those that really count. The older I get, my circle of accountability has become smaller and smaller. And I like it that way.
About Hemant Rustogi