Overcoming negative peer pressure
I am sure if you are like most people there have been times in your life where you have given in to negative peer pressure from your friends, colleagues or family. I know a lot of people who have decided not to do something because everyone else said not to do it. This can especially happen with ideas you may have to make money online or a product you may be developing. Of course this may leave you feeling bad because you are thinking what if I had done it etc.
Let me honest with you and tell you that this happens to a lot of us, not just you.
Whenever we are close to anyone, family, friends etc, we trust them in many ways. We also feel that we need to trust their opinions too. In many cases this is true but sometimes you may have to draw a line between what people tell you and what you want to do.
But how do you know when and how to draw the line?
Below I have detailed some strategies that can help you in overcoming negative peer pressure:
Don´t rush when making decisions. Don´t ever make a decision in a rush just because others have told you that you have to. When you are in a rush your clarity is blurred. You are doing things to quickly and you make not make the right decision.
• Be honest with those who are being negative. Tell them you appreciate their input but need to think about it and make your own decisions with a clear head.
• Of course you must remember that you are the one who is making the decision and you must live with the consequences of these decisions.
Do you know all the possible outcomes?
The decision you make is going to have consequences. These can be both good and bad, however have you fully thought about what the possible outcomes are? Here´s a few things you need to ask yourself:
• Are there any moral implications to the possible outcomes?
• Will anyone else be affected by the decisions you make?
• Looking ahead a few months will the decision you make have more consequences in the future?
Think about what you are going to do and how you will be perceived. Ok I am not one to really care about what people think about me, but of course we don´t want to be perceived as a fool or anything. So when you make this decision how will people view you? If the choice is not the right choice how will you feel? How will people perceive you?
• If you make the change you need will you have the same quality of life?
• Assuming you accept some of the advice given, will your friend or friends be willing to stand up for you when you make the decision?
Ensure that you know how your decision will affect those closest to you. Be honest with yourself. The decision you make will not only affect you but it will affect others in your life.
• Are you sure it will work out? What if it does not work out how will your nearest and dearest be affected?
Before making any decisions you need a clear head. Whenever you share your ideas or dreams with others there will be plenty of advice given. Some you will agree with some you won´t, however you need to make your decision based on what is best for you. Don´t ever rush the decision, think it through and above all be true to yourself and those closest to you.