Mind over matter

"...those who mind don't matter and those
who matter don't mind.”
Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dierkschaefer/

I had the opportunity to speak before a great group of people at Lakeland College yesterday. During our discussion, we talked about how sometimes, when people don't get their way, they lose control in an attempt to gain control. The usual result is that the people they work with become conditioned not to "cross them" because they don't want to "ruffle feathers," or make waves, for fear of paying the price.

Have you ever refrained from speaking your opinion or voicing a legitimate concern out of fear of others' reactions? It's important to remember that everyone has the right to their opinion, and everyone has the right to either agree or disagree. An opinion is an opinion, or preference. It's like saying that you like blue, when someone else likes red. There is no right or wrong -- just a preference.

Sometimes, based on previous encounters and experiences with people who lose control to gain control, we fear the reactions of others and this fear sometimes prevents us from even saying anything at all, even if we disagree.

As I had mentioned in a previous blog post, you are much better being honest and respectfully sharing your opinion, rather than keeping quiet out of fear, only to have resentment down the road.

As Dr. Seuss said, “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

Best wishes,

-Victor