Consider the Source
Sometimes people give input. Sometimes that input can be unsettling, or even discouraging. On the contrary, people who love you do their best to give intelligent, helpful feedback.
It truly surprised me, years ago when I had first started one of my small businesses, an individual whom I had never sold to nor even knew about, contacted me and informed me on how to, in their opinion, improve my business. True, I was just starting out by a year or two, and definitely didn’t claim to think I was running my business just perfectly, but the manner of their email put me off. They informed me that I needed to get such and such products if I was serious about my business or I would just be a fluffy re-seller. I thanked them politely for the input and left it at that. I heard back from them several times about how I was just a fluffy re-seller since I hadn’t taken their advice and they would never buy from me. Isn’t that curious? Someone I didn’t even know was labeling me since I didn’t take their suggestion.
Another time, in the same early stages of the small business I mentioned above, I was working to expand my product line when I requested input from my customers. Many responded with products similar to what I already offered that they would like to be able to purchase from me. As I compiled the list and determined where I wanted to draw the line of where I expanded, I faced another difficult individual. This person, again whom I didn’t even know, went on and on how they were focused in their business – they didn’t feel the need to be a “Jack of all trades, Master of none” like me. “Master of None?” that wording wasn’t the easiest for me to read. I know there are difficult people in life, or just peculiar people who lack kind phrasing, but I really thought that seemed rude.
It was so interesting trying to figure out if these people had any fact to base these statements on – or if they even applied to me. I definitely don’t want to turn a blind eye, but I know I can’t listen to all the critics either. And I want to encourage you, should you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t let it put you off kilter! Consider what people say, and apply it if there is reason to, but don’t just blindly follow everyone’s suggestions. You can’t please everybody!
Now obviously, depending where you are in life and whom you are receiving the critique or suggestion from should depend on how you take it. Consider the source!
For instance, if you are a young lady in your father’s house and your suggestions come from one of your siblings, definitely consider it. If it is a younger sibling, be sure that you are being kind. If it is an older sibling, be sure that you are being your best. If it is your parents, be sure to honor them and do your best to please them. They love you and have your best in mind (especially your parents)!
If you are, like I was, hearing from potential customers, do consider what they say, but keep in mind that they don’t know your whole story. They don’t know your circumstances, your budget, your goal, etc. So consider, but don’t take suggestions as commandments. And remember – you aren’t what others might label you … unless they are labeling you lovely, wonderful things – then definitely do your best to live up to them! Let those words inspire you!
No matter who you are getting this feedback from – your in-laws or strangers – be sure to keep in mind how the feedback is meant. Ideally, the general goal is to help you and inspire you to grow. But sadly, sometimes people don’t understand how to help others. Don’t let their feedback hurt you. Let it encourage you to check your motivations, then move on. Be your best and always strive to do the right thing! And don’t let anyone rob you of your joy!
I hope these thoughts encourage you! Always remember to consider your source! And as people encourage you and are kind to you, let it inspire you! Always live with joy and enthusiasm as you work to be your best version of the American Lady!
Until Next Time!
Hope.