2 consecutive days. 2 deep conversations. 2 very different characters. A man and a woman. One in his late thirties, the other in her early twenties.
2 remarkable and inspiring people. High achievers in their respective fields. Much younger than most of their peers at the same level of responsibility.
In both conversations, the same pattern emerged.
One part of them is fierce, moving forward with courage, focus, and determination.
And another part is constantly seeking approval, recognition, reassurance, carefully analyzing what others might think or how they might react. To the point it sometimes prevents them from taking action.
Does this sound familiar?
If this resonates with you, or if you recognize someone around you, I strongly recommend the book “The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. It explores, in an accessible (and sometimes unsettling) way, our relationship with other people’s expectations, personal responsibility, and inner freedom.
Reading it is one thing.
Applying what you learn from it is another.
Probably the hardest part.
Choosing to live from your own compass rather than from external validation takes courage.
And it is a daily practice.
Be brave.
Delphine
#TheCourageOfBeing
THE COURAGE TO BE DISLIKED
