“You’re a new mom? OMG! Get ready to never sleep again in your life!”
“Yeah, it’s great that you have such high ambitions but you’re too young and you have to pay your dues.”
“You shouldn’t work so much. It’s going to affect your health!”
“You don’t want kids? I’m sure you’ll change your mind!”
“It’s very hard to actually make an idea work. Maybe you should consider looking for a real job instead of starting your own business.”
This is just a tiny sampling of comments that are made every single day to people pursuing something aspirational in life. Maybe, you have even said something similar before to others. Of course, there is usually good intention with these comments as it is a way to help others not go through the same pain or surprise you have been through or a way to help others not make the same mistakes.
But, stop.
Just stop.
Seriously, stop.
Stop projecting your experiences onto other people. If they ask for your story or your experience, that’s great that you can share it and what lessons you learned but it’s not necessary to discourage others from going for their dreams simply because it didn’t work out for you.
Oh, and if they didn’t ask for your opinion, do not give it if it’s going to be so negative.
We are all capable of different things and that is what is beautiful the about the human race and what should be bringing us together, not tearing us apart. So when others are aiming to do something that didn’t work out for you, encourage them to succeed even if it seems so impossible in your mind.
In the words of Amelia Earhart, “Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn’t be done.”
Stop. Projecting. Your. Experiences. Onto. Others.
And, if someone is projecting their experiences onto you, remember that your story does not have to be their story. Write your own story and know that it can and will be an awesome one!
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