What if they were right?!!
Finding the proper balance between your perception of your decisions, achievements, and their realities is a challenging mission. Our judgments usually emanate from our experiences, beliefs, and motives. Bearing in mind that making sensible judgments requires a broad perspective. People usually broaden their horizons by listening to what other people have to say either by getting opinions or even directly seeking advice, which I have always found to be enlightening. However, I have recently been witnessing a growing trend of people being desperate for affirmation rather than true advice.
I have recently stumbled upon a question that an individual posted seeking ways to deal with discouraging opinions and comments from people around her regarding her desire to pursue her studies. Her problem is understandable; however, the responses she got were overwhelming. Most assumptions suggested that whoever tries to discourage you is simply jealous! This emerging tendency of labeling people who express their concerns or voice out their criticism, as being haters is not just nor it is wise. Unfortunately, this kind of attitude towards those people is associated with having confidence and high self-esteem. However, I find this kind of manner to be toxic and disturbing.
This kind of narrow mindset not only limits one's perspective, by making one delusional rather than confident; It also intensely affect their relationship with the people around them. Although this can negatively impact all aspects of one's life, it can also destroy one's professional life. It is most harmful in the workplace because it is where feedback and communication matter the most. More importantly, comments will probably come from individuals who are not close to you. Adopting such a negative approach in the workplace, where big decisions and achievements are mostly made, will affect how employees perceive concerns and feedback from their superiors and colleagues, and will certainly create unnecessary tension.
Since everyone seems to be capable of identifying insincere advice, I thought I could help you spot good sincere advice or at least get the most out of comments you hear from people around you, especially at work.
Everything in life is about balance. Believing that all people's comments come from a place of love is naivety. However, doubting everyone's intentions is ignorance. Caution should not blur your foresight and right judgment, and being confident should not make you miss a piece of valuable advice.