S.N.I.O.R

Are you a S.N.I.O.P.? A S.N.I.O.P. is a person w’ho is susceptible to the negative influences of other people. This is a common syndrome. We all

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desire approval from others. Everyone has grow n up being conditioned to be c once me d about w hat others think.

Many people tend to be negative, finding problems rather than solutions. So, it’s to be expected that the influence of other people is mostly negative. Its only when you pay attention to these negative people that a problem arises.

When you pay attention to those who are negative, a number of tilings will happen. First, you will alter your path to accommodate the negative input you receive. The result will be the lowering of your ambitions or the abandon of your goals altogether.

Next, you will get frustrated because you’ll be

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adjusting your life to fit someone elses expectations. Even though you may get approval for your accommodations, any feel-

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ing of satisfaction on your part will be short lived at best. It’s virtually impossible to be happy when you give up control of your life in order to meet another’s expectations.

ThirdlyJ,

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ou will beginc1to doubt vourself. Since

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anyj dreams yj ou have are bound to be criticized, the only way to avoid negative comments is to not pursue them. Yet,there are things you want to accomplish. A question you might yourself will be, ‘If evervone

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finds flaws with my ideas,

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is there something wrong with me?”

Once yoJu lose vour

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confidence, your aspirations will seem to become unattainable. Rather than reaching for what you trulvJ desire, v

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will start making excuses to justify the abandonment of vour

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goals. If you are a S.N.I.O.P., it’s imperative to change your thinking. In order to be in control of your life and destinyj,

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oj u must tune out the negative influences of other people. The path you chose doesn’t require anyone’s approval. What’s important is for you to be happy with how- you are living.

Accept the fact that everyone will have an opinion about yoJur life. The bigger your dreams, the more criticism you will attract. People will offer their thoughts whether you ask or not. How ever,

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fJ vou do ask, you invite a flood of input. You can minimize criticism by being very selective when sharing your ideas.

When negative opinions are offered, it is OK for you to ignore them.

You never have to explain your actions or justify your plans. Just because someone may challenge your reasoning, there is no need to justify yourself.

Ironically, the family and friends who are closest to you will offer the harshest criticism. These are the same people who know- you well enough to really get under your skin.

ThevJ understand exactly

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what buttons to push to get

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to react. It will take a lot of self-control to let people ’s opinions roll off your back. But vou have to do

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it. Engaging others will drain vou of ener£v better spent on making good tilings happen. You don’t have to fight with or insult anyone. Just thank them for their concern and change the subject. Remember, it takes two people to have an argument.

As vj oj u consistentiv refuse to become snared by

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other’s opinions, they will stop offering them. It may take a wiiile, but vou will get to this point. Keep reminding yourself that the objective is reaching your goal, not paying attention to the negative influences of other people.

NOW AVAILABLE:

*\Dare to Live Without

Limits ** the book. Visit www. Bryan Go I de ri.com or your bookstore. Bnan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan columnist,com or write him do this paper, 2023 Bryan Golden