262: Why You Follow and How to Think for Yourself

"If you stand up and be counted, from time to time you may get yourself knocked down. But remember this: A man flattened by an opponent can get up again. A man flattened by conformity stays down for good." - Thomas Watson

As you may have already figured out fear is the main reason we follow others. The fear of rejection and the fear of the unknown are the two main reasons you blindly follow the wishes of others.

Society and loved ones whose acceptance we crave is the reason many people live an unsatisfactory life.

"Be Yourself - Not your idea of what you think somebody else's idea of yourself should be." - Henry David Thoreau

The urge to conform is strong. For some people it is seemingly unavoidable; the urge to follow the crowd is instinctual. For others who have a strong sense of self it is less imperative. The void of urgency to belong comes from a strong knowledge of self. However, it is not simply the understanding of who you are but also living in conjunction with those beliefs. When you act based solely on your knowledge of self you are demonstrating your authentic self. You are steadfast in your beliefs and unapologetic for your thoughts and actions.

Thom WaltersApril 28, 2015Comment

260: Jenny Williamson - Author of Do You Have the Courage To Be You

Jenny Williamson is a self-professed Mom, first and foremost. While that career choice is extremely noteworthy her other accomplishments are equally valuable. As founder and CEO of Courage, Worldwide she builds and runs homes for victims of sex-trafficking both nationally and world wide.