Inferior Without Consent

You are responsible for every feeling you have. If you feel inferior to someone else, it is because of what you believe. Some people are influence by what other people say. Rather than having the confidence and believing in themselves they listen to the opinions of others without considering their own plan or thoughts. Some people place importance on people who they think are more important than they are. (A belief of mine is no one is more important than the next person – we all have a purpose) The wisdom said by Eleanor Roosevelt are words that we all need to remember. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

What Roosevelt is referring to is that we ourselves have the feeling of interiority because of how we see the other person. This situation applies to many different aspects of our lives. In a work environment, some people see the boss and they themselves feel less important. But, in reality, the boss is just a person like we are. They are no better than we are. They just have a different job than we do. It does not mean they are better than we are.

It also means we should always show respect for others, just as we want people to show respect to us. But, just like us, the boss is a human being with the same needs that we have as individuals.

How Do You React
How you react to other people’s thoughts of you and what you are doing is your personal choice. If you allow others to tell you what to do and how to do it you are not growing, you are not developing knowledge. I am not saying that we should not consider the wisdom and experience of others, but, what I am saying is that we need to balance their opinions with what our passion is. Just because someone says, “it can’t be done,” or, “you can’t do that,” is no reason for you to stop your plans. To use the wisdom of Les Brown, “Other people’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.”

It is your decision, and yours alone, to determine the importance you give to any situation and to any person. The person who knows you best is YOU. You know your abilities, you know your determination, and you know your dreams.

Other’s Stories
You can read all kinds of stories where people stuck to their beliefs even when they were told they would fail.

One of these stories is that of F.W. Woolworth. He was a store clerk who thought his boss should have a 10 cent sale to reduce his stock. His boss rejected the idea. The clerk did not allow his boss to make him feel inferior. Instead, he took hisidea and put it into practice by opening his own store – “F. W. Woolworth Store”. He then went on to open a chain of successful stores. Woolworth could have kept working as a clerk, he could have felt inferior to his boss because he shot down his idea, but no, he was determined and in the end he was successful.

Mark Twain received many rejection slips before his books were published. Today those same books that were originally rejected are classic books. A good example of Mark Twain’s philosophy on life is found in the words of wisdom he once said: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too can become great.” You see Twain believe in his ability as a writer. He believed in the stories he created and even though many people who were considered superior rejected his stories he did not give up. He was determined and he persevered and the rest is now history.

A more recent example is that of Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart. He is quoted as saying, “I had to pick myself up and get on with it, do it all over again, only even better this time.” If he had given up at his first attempt we would never know the Wal-Mart of today. I am sure many people told Walton that there were already enough stores and one more was not needed. But Sam Walton persevered until he found the right formula, and once he did he found success.

Yanni also said it well, “I believed that anything was possible, or at least because I didn’t put together everyone else’s ‘facts’ and believe that winning was impossible.” Yanni who is now a famous musician started out with nothing, changed his direction, faced his share of challenges but he never gave up his belief in that he could make the music that was within him.

The Deciding Factor
Other people’s opinions should not determine your success. What will be the deciding factor is your belief in you – your determination and your perseverance. Your determination will determine how you will face challenges that you are presented with. And your perseverance will determine your ability to stick with your project. Determination and perseverance are two factors that will decide your success or your failure. And if it is a failure, again your determination will see you pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes, and try again. Be inspired by those who did not let others put down their ideas!

To Summarize
Believe in yourself and don’t give up when someone else doesn’t believe in your goals! Don’t let others make you feel like you cannot succeed.

A Little Push and Pull
Author: Walter E. Isenhour

A little push when the road is steep may take one up the hill;
A little prayer when the clouds hang low may bring the soul a thrill;
A little lift when the load bears down may help one to succeed;
A little pull when the will slows down may help one gain his speed.

A little clasp from a hand that’s kind may lift from crushing care;
A little word from a voice that’s sweet may save one from despair;
A little smile when the heart is sad may bring a sunbeam in;
A loving word when the spirit droops may help one rise and win.

A little love for a soul that’s lost may help him seek God’s grace;
A little tear and a “God bless you” may brighten someone’s face;
A little deed from a Christian’s heart may bless a weary soul;
A little boost when the battle’s hard may take one to his goal.

Inspirational Quotes for Reflection:
“Passion is the overwhelming feeling, the burning desire, the drive that ultimately creates change. It is the total belief in yourself and your abilities that nothing can stop you.” Diane Matyas

“No matter what you do or how hard you try, you will never please everybody. There will always be someone who disapproves of you. However, if you believe in yourself and your strengths, and you have conviction in what you do, you will still be successful.” Jason Williams

“Ambition is more than mere desire. It is desire plus incentive – determination – will to achieve the desire.” Herbert Armstrong

“Remember, once you have started your journey towards change, the only things that separate those who succeed and those who do not are perseverance and determination.” Ian Tuhovsky

“We must always keep in mind that whatever God charges us to do something, he always provides us with strength and perseverance to endure any bump in the road that might come.” Christopher Goodman

“Determination makes you willing to do and determines what you are willing to do. Thus, determination is the impetus for persistence and perseverance for taking action.”Dorothy Wehunt

“Many of us worry about wasting our time trying something, which could fail, but if you have faith and good intentions, even failures can actually be a success.” Scarlett Johnson