How can you stop trying to please everyone?

This posted started with reading this famous quote: “I don’t know the secret to success, but the secret to failure is trying to please everyone” – Bill Cosby.

Key to failure is to try to please everyone - Bill CosbyStill we all have this tendency to try to please everyone – or at least, not to create too much fuss by displeasing people. It’s emotionally draining to be in these situations where we create negative reactions. It could even turn out to be dangerous – and that’s when our primitive lizard brain prevents us to act.

So, how did our normal trouble-avoiding mechanism become a stumbling block in today’s society? Because for sure, making your mark will involve moving people from their established situation and negative reactions (see our post on criticism)! And more importantly, how can we escape that psychological trap?

It all boils down to passion and purpose. With passion, you’ll be emotionally lifted and you’ll overcome objection. With purpose, you’ll push towards your goal, overcoming any obstacle in the way (which obviously will involve making some people unhappy). When your passion aligns with your purpose is when you become irresistible.

Don’t please everyone. Choose who you won’t please, and do it for a purpose. Be passionate. And you’ll change the world. Your world.

Share