Stop listening
One of the fastest ways to disempower ourselves is to accept other people’s negative comments. Every time we hear the word ‘you’ attached to a message it is processed by our minds.
Because other people’s opinions may be subconsciously accepted as a credible source of information about us, negative ‘you’ phrases can create trouble. For this reason, we must find ways to protect ourselves from their words.
If people do start to tell you who they think you are, do not become defensive and argue with them – either ignore their comments, or if it happens frequently, approach them about it and ask them to stop. In some instances you may have to stop associating with them entirely, as some people cannot stop pouring their negativity onto others.
If you have a bad habit that you want to change and other people are making comments about it, request that they praise you when you do the right thing instead. You need support to change your bad habits, not criticism. No-one helps you to move forward by continually pointing out the things you do wrong.