Your Opinion of Me is None of My Business, Thank You!
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Be who you are and say what you feel,
Because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
Dr. Seuss.
One of the biggest obstacles Internet Marketers face, in my opinion, when they first start out is getting over the fear of what other people will think, especially if you have a family member or friend who you are worried will think you’re crazy for what you’re doing. We think we look terrible on YouTube, we think we can’t write, we think our voice sounds bad, yada yada yada. It’s all dribble. [This is said lovingly]
EVERYONE, and I mean everyone has something to offer, and it doesn’t matter what other people think, if you reach out to enough people (which is easy to do on the Internet), there will be plenty who will listen intently to what you have to say.
Next time you think that you’re not good enough, or you have nothing to offer, consider these examples:
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Frank Sinatra was told that he couldn’t sing and couldn’t get a gig to save his life. Imagine what the music world would have lost if he had believed other peoples’ opinions. My way would be the highway and Strangers in the Night may have never met =).
Bill Gates was a college dropout. He left Harvard to devote his life and energy to what we now know as Microsoft. He believed that one day there would be a computer on every desktop in the world. (Ya think?) What would the Internet look like today if he believed that everyone thought he was a loser and never pursued his passion which lead to the creation of Microsoft, a giant that may never have been born.
A few years after receiving a C on a business plan assignment, a gentlemen by the name of Fred Smith went on to implement the plan that he wrote about. Now, when you have a package that absolutely positively has to be there overnight who do you call? Yep, you got it, Federal Express. Imagine if Fred got back his paper and thought, “Well, if my professor thinks this is ‘C’ work it must not have any merit,” and tossed it in the garbage instead of having enough confidence in HIMSELF to put his plan into action. Yet another giant in the delivery industry that may never have been born.
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And the stories go on and on.
Do you ever worry about what other people think or say about you? If you’re anywhere near being a normal person, you probably have felt the amazing power of other people’s opinion about you, and not in a good way. The most important thing about other people’s opinions is to remember that they are just that….
Opinions. Everyone has one, and most have several.
For every diehard Democrat out there, I can find the polar opposite Republican who can debate until the cows come home that his or her “Opinion” is right and the other is wrong. Truth is there is no right or wrong when it comes to an opinion. Because an opinion is just that.
Do you know what the dictionary has to say: Here it is:
- A belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.
- A personal view, attitude, or appraisal.
- A belief or judgment that falls short of absolute conviction, certainty, or positive knowledge;
I rest my case! Opinions are not truth. Especially when the opinion is about you.
What about opinions directed at you personally? When someone has an opinion about you, your beliefs, the way you do things, your likelihood for success, etc., it’s a tough thing to overcome. How we feel about these opinions and how they make us feel about ourselves is the important thing. Nobody knows us like we know ourselves.
Always consider the source. I always keep in the back of my mind that people who live in glass houses should never throw stones. Nobody is perfect, and nobody has a right to judge you either.
I’m not a huge fan of rap, but Eminem did a song that tells the story so beautifully. Ironically, the song is called “Beautiful” and ends like this:
Yeah, to my babies, stay strong, dad will be home soon
And to the rest of the world… God gave you them shoes, to fit you
So put them on and wear them… be yourself man, be proud of who you are
Even if it sounds corny… don’t ever let no one tell you, you ain’t beautiful
Read these words over and over until they sink in and….. My friends, don’t ever let no one tell you, you ain’t beautiful!
Stay strong and stay on your course no matter what anyone thinks!
As always, thanks for visiting my blog!
Expect Great Things!
Hi Debbie,
A star is born (move over Mr. Sinatra)!
Let your light shine brightly, Debbie, as it is in our Social Media Mastery Inner Circle.
Let it lead the way for others, so as to shed light on this one truth. . .YOU CAN DO IT, IF YOU WANT TO!
You are a perfect example, and can say, “look at me, I’m doing it, and you can too!”
Debbie, Frank has nothing on you; you are definitely doing it “your way” and in a very intelligent manner. You have so much to teach and share with others who want to take control of their lives.
Looking forward to learning and growing with you. Here’s to seeing you at the top!
Yours in excellence and mastery,
Joe
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Thank You! Your words (and Eminem’s) completely resonate with me.
I get so caught-up in what others are going to think – it totally stifles me at times. I know I have great ideas and a great business, but have hit an “insecurity wall” lately.
Your post is so timely! I just want to say thank you.
IN MY OPINION, you are wonderful!
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What a wonderful article Debs. I love this, and would love to “tweet” it or put it on facebook for all to see…..
Happy Days!
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Hey Deb
Great post! Totally agree!
Would like to add: part of our insecurity and caring what other’s think has a foundation in their being only one way, the RIGHT way of doing something. our culture is steeped in right and wrong, when another way to view things relates to preferences.
In other words, my way is not THE way, it is A way. MY way being my preference does not make YOUR way any less or any more valuable.
Let’s all focus on doing things OUR WAY!!! and sharing those with others.
We will help guide others to THEIR WAY in the process, either by resonating with what we have shared, or recognising a resistance to what we share. Either way, they are lead to THEIR WAY, THEIR TRUTH.
I can feel a connection already.
Keep up the Good Work!
Deb
from down unda
Deborah Richards´s last blog ..**Deep Connections With A Soul
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Excellent post Debbie, you really make some strong points. When people being to realize that Network Marketing companies won’t make them wealthy, that energy drinks or shampoo’s are not your ticket to success, then you will be able to rise above that and create a personal brand for yourself that will take you much farther than any network marketing company ever possibly could.
Matthew´s last blog ..Do You Work At Starbucks?
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Hey Debbie,
I LOVE your post. What an inspiring and empowering message.
Determination and self belief must be one of the most powerful forces that exists. You highlighted that in a pretty profound and unforgettable way.
You inspired and reminded your readers with the story of Frank Sinatra. Indeed, how would the world look like without Bill Gates and Frankie..
I appreciate the wonderful content that you share, Debbie. You are a rising star.
Eirik.
Eirik Ringstad´s last blog ..Are You Building The ‘Right’ List?
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great post debbie!
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Beautifully Written! When I started internet marketing that was a HUGE deal for me… any little “rejection” or “disapproval” I took to heart. This is why network marketing is such a growing experience. We learn to stay centered in our own truth, confidence, and enthusiasm. It really all comes down to what we think about ourselves. When we love ourselves fully we will only attract those who love us too;)
Rose Goddess´s last blog ..Maca Thai Dressing with Kelp Noodles
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Debbie,
What a powerful message to share! Imagine if each us just had a little bit more self-confidence and a little less worry about what others thought how many more Frank Sinatra’s and Fred Smith’s we’d have in this world!
Great stuff! Thanks again!
Amanda´s last blog ..The Times They Are Changin…ARE YOU?
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Debbie,
Thank you for this great reminder. If we aren’t careful to guard ourselves from the words and opinions of others, we will miss our opportunity to shine. You are so right – everyone has something to offer. If we can remember that we aren’t here for everybody, but we are here for somebody, then that can help us stay focused. It’s the “somebody’s” I’m after, not the “everybody’s”. Great post! Glad I found it today, I needed it.
Krista
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Great post Debbie! That Dr. Suess quote is one of my favorites! I’ve used that one often on my friends who are freaking out about what someone else thinks of them. I’ve used it on myself a few times too!
I’m just getting into internet marketing (just getting that first personal video ready), so I’ll keep this post in mind when I’m posting it! 
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Debbie Reply:
March 5th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Definitely let me know Judy. I love retweeting new and good content. Can’t wait to see it. Let me know if I can help you at all!
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