I think we’ve all noticed how many people care about the judgements and opinions of others. Unfortunately, it seems like this is the rule rather than the exception these days. Taking these outside influences to heart can be incredibly destructive and only keep you from reaching your true potential.
Financially, keeping up with the Jones’ and buying into expensive ‘status symbol’ purchases is not worth delaying your financial independence or eventual retirement. Emotionally, letting the worry of judgement is not worth altering the course of your life away from what you truly want or need.
Taking care of my grandmother, I’ve had to spend WAY too much time in nursing homes. And let me tell you something — whether you like it or not, and no matter how many people are there with you — you leave this world alone. Very little matters at that point, not the least of which is what other people think of you, your situation, your family, or your things. And most of the time, the people passing judgment are too busy worrying about their own situation to care about yours.
So, if on your death-bed, in the end, the opinion of others DOES NOT MATTER whatsoever, why in the world should it matter NOW? Reclaim the freedom of not being held hostage by the expectations, judgements, or beliefs of others — sooner rather than later. Imagine what you would do if you weren’t bound by these terms. How would your life be different? Better?
When you feel yourself acting on behalf of others peoples’ opinions, just ask yourself “will they matter in the end?”
