I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
Bill CosbyUS comedian & television actor (1937 - )

The quote above is from Bill Cosby. I chose to open this post with the topic of people pleasing because this is probably one of the biggest ways to deter a healthy self-esteem. When I was in grades K-12 I felt a strong desire to please my friends. My clothes, hair styles, etc. had to be approved by the crowd I was linked to.
I recall being in the third grade and wanting to be popular so badly that I paid a girl in cookies to be my friend at recess (I know a bit extreme).
As I got older I no longer used cookies to gain friendships but I became less of "Who I am" so that others accepted me more. Becoming less of "Who you are" can mean that you don't tell the truth when something bothers you because you are scared that it will risk your friendship. I can honestly tell you that it is impossible to lose a friend that you never had. True friends want to see you grow and prosper. If you have a friend that is only happy when you make poor choices it's time to rethink this relationship. In my book "Who I am not what I am" Janelle finds out that she does not have much in common with the kids in her class and they question her about her race and ethnicity. Her parents reinforce the things that make her special and she gets satisfaction from these valuable traits that make her unique. Today it might be a good idea to take a look at yourself in the mirror and remind yourself that you are unique and special and if that is not pleasing to others...that's okay. At the end of the day make sure that you are pleased with your own reflection...I have a feeling this will bring you closer to the key to success!
Read something great! Write something pleasing to you!