Who’s there? Doris. Doris who? Doris locked that is why I am knocking… (Groan).
So bypass the horrible joke and look at the “knock knock” – who do you open the door in your life to? Whose ideas do you let in? Who do you let influence you?
We are bombarded by radio, television, video, texts, tweets, posts… each one is knocking at our door, asking to be let in. Some want to share ideas, some want us to buy things, vote for things, vote against things, sign petitions, hate people, love people – the list goes on and on. So when they knock, how do you choose who to let in?
I work with people to help them create and live a great and happy life. The first critical step is to learn how to develop our own voice – to be able to determine what we believe and how to respond in a way that matters to us in a very loud “knock knock” world.
We develop our own voice by taking the time to understand ourselves – our talents, strengths and passions – and what we want from our lives.
We develop our own voice when we take time to understand our world – to create options for a life that fits us; we know what makes sense for us. This way we don’t get distracted and derailed by those who want us to live life their way.
So, to choose wisely when people come knocking,
1. Know what you stand for and what matters to you. When you don’t know what your own voice, beliefs or wants in life, it is easy to listen to others when they come knocking. Take the time to develop your own beliefs, values and definition of your great life. Hold it as your standard when you hear knock knock.
2. Choose wisely about who and what you let in. Just because you have access them or they have access to you, doesn’t mean they belong in your definition of a great life. You must always control who is influencing your voice, values and life direction.
3. Learn to say “no thanks.” Develop the strength and courage to say no to people, products and events that don’t fit you. So many of us want to either avoid conflict or don’t want to hurt others’ feelings that we find ourselves saying yes when we really want to say no. Develop your best and most polite way of saying, “no thanks, not interested.”
One of the things I remember most as a kid was thinking that once I got to be an adult, I would be able to go to a grocery store and buy whatever I wanted – finally not needing approval from my parents. And then I realized that as an adult I could buy anything, but was now wise enough not to spend too much for things or to buy junk. I know what not to let in.
We are each accountable for ourselves. How many of the things or people we let into our lives actually add value to our lives or treat us like the extraordinary creations we are? For me, that rules out the junk food, the hateful voices, the marketing that tries to get me to buy what I can’t afford – and the other things that don’t help me have a great and happy life.
So, knock knock. Who’s there? Handel. Handel who? Handle with care, this is your life we are talking about. (Sorry. I had to…) Know who is knocking and if you want to let them in.
Good news should always be shared and knowing who and what belongs in your great life is really good news. Please share this with someone who can benefit from it. And contact me to learn about finding your true voice and other Greatness Coaching techniques.
