by Bryan Golden
A S.N.I.O.P. is a person who is susceptible to the negative influences of other people. This is a common syndrome. We all desire approval from others. Everyone has grown up being conditioned to be concerned about what 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. It’s 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 things 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 adjusting your life to fit someone else’s expectations. Even though you may get approval for your accommodations, any feeling 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.
Thirdly, you will begin to doubt yourself. Since any dreams you 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 ask yourself will be, “If everyone finds flaws with my ideas, is there something wrong with me?”
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 destiny, you 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 your life. People will offer their thoughts whether you ask or not. However, if you 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.
As you consistently refuse to become snared by other’s opinions, they will stop offering them. It may take a while, but you 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.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.
© Bryan Golden
