“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”
– Mother Teresa
David Goggins, the author of Can’t Hurt Me, recently made a Facebook post about how he spent the better part of life caring too much about other people’s opinions.
He writes, “I spent the majority of the first 23 years of my life trying to be accepted, liked, loved and fit in with all sorts of people. When you don’t know yourself nor do you care to know yourself, you end up spending the majority of your time trying to please other people.”
And then he says something that I really think is a stroke of genius.
“Don’t waste time trying to impress others — impress yourself!”
We spend so much time trying to impress other people. But when is the last time you did something that impressed yourself?
When is the last time you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone, tackled a challenge head-on, or set a goal and achieved it simply because it mattered to you?
After all, the person you should strive to impress the most is the one you see in the mirror every day.
Here are some ways you can start impressing yourself:
Set Personal Goals: Goals that are meaningful to you and align with your values and aspirations. Working towards these goals will not only make you proud but will also boost your self-confidence.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Trying new things and overcoming fears is a surefire way to impress yourself. It could be as simple as learning a new skill or as daring as bungee jumping.
Practice Self-discipline: Discipline in small daily routines can bring significant changes in the long term. Whether it’s sticking to a workout schedule, a reading habit, or a healthier diet, discipline is a testament to your strength of character.
Acknowledge Your Achievements: Don’t wait for someone else to recognize your efforts. Take time to reflect on your achievements, no matter how small they might seem. Celebrate your progress and use it as fuel for future endeavors.