The Ability to Be Disliked

"You must develop the ability to be disliked in order to free yourself from the prison of other peoples' opinions." -- Mark Manson

I truly don't care what other people think of me when it comes to my actions and my decisions. I fully understand and accept that some people disagree with the way I do things. But the way I do things works for me, and that's all that matters.

But when it comes to people liking me, well, that's something that I've always cared about. I'm realizing as I get older that I've cared about it too much.

Not everybody has to like me. And that's okay. Nobody on earth has a 100% likeability rate. But I've always strived for a 100% likeability rate, and it brings unnecessary stress into my life.

A more achievable goal would be to strive for a 100% respectability rate. Because it's possible to be respected without being liked.

As a teacher, coach, and parent, I make decisions that can lead people to feel as if they dislike me (though I would argue they dislike the decision more than they dislike me). And I have to be okay with this. Because it's impossible to be in a position of leadership and make 100% of the people 100% satisfied.

I'm seeking out leadership situations and opportunities because they force me to develop the ability to be disliked. And once I stop caring whether everybody likes me or not, I can truly be free to focus solely on being respected instead of liked.

Make it a great day!

Coach Chris