Short messages on Positive change from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Other people’s thoughts – good, bad or indifferent – are their own. Enjoy your own life to the full; you can’t please everyone all of the time, and there’s no need to try to.
Accept that you can’t control what other people think. You’ve no idea what might go through their head, or why; everyone responds differently.
Other people might judge you for not meeting up to their standards – but if you’re true to your own goals and values, then you know you’ve got your priorities right.
When you are feeling hurt, the proverb “This, too, shall pass” reminds us that all situations are temporary – good or bad – that change is inevitable, and that we can enjoy the good situations in life without the fear of losing them.
Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power.
Everyone makes mistakes each day – so allow yourself to. Recognise the failure and turn it into an opportunity to create something better, which will build trust and respect with others.
People change and grow as they go through different phases in life. If you recognise when this happens you can help support them in their development.
Don’t let your own pride ever get in the way of asking for help, whatever age you are. No-one is expecting you to be perfect at everything, and some will be expecting you to ask for help if you need it.
Spend more time sharing the good news than gossiping about the bad. Notice the effect it has on your mood and the quality of your relationships.
If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart. Give yourself the confidence to try.