Let me take a moment to dig deep into the topic of your perspective and pressure. It’s important to understand that there are two types of pressure that we face in life: fake pressure and real pressure.
Often we create false stories in our mind to protect our ego, pride, and/or image. Here’s a question to consider: Is your life in danger if someone tells you “no” or doesn’t like your performance, outfit, comment, speech, proposal, or Instagram post? The answer is HELL NO. We, however, tend to put our self-worth deep into the opinions of others or our perception of what others think. This can be classified as fake pressure.
Have you ever heard of FOPO (Fear of Other People’s Opinions)? FOPO is rooted in fake pressure.
Let’s break down this fake fear lie in simple terms...
You aren’t who you think you are. You aren’t who others think you are. You are what you THINK other people think you are.
Marinate on that concept for a minute. I’ll say it again... You are what you THINK other people think you are. I used to be (and still am to some extent) so guilty of this alarming truth.
It's time to get out of that dark abyss of pleasing everyone and come back to Earth and really focus on what matters. Missing a par putt in golf, losing a business deal, hearing “no,” someone not liking your new song, or going through a season of adversity does not define you. Attacking your fears, growing daily, serving others, finding gratitude, being present, and not wasting a day . . . these things are what’s most important.
There are nearly 8 billion people on the planet, so why would you let the opinion of one person shape your confidence, self-image, and dictate what actions you take?
WAKE UP! Just do you! That mistake you made or negative comment someone said about you is not the real you, but part of a longer journey and story.
Let’s practice together. Say these words out loud. These just might be the five most important words you can say as a performer:
“I’M NOT DEFINED BY THIS.”
Say it again.
“I’M NOT DEFINED BY THIS.”
