Think for Yourself
Yo u ’ l l t h i n k t h i s o n e ’s s o o b v i o u s y o u ’ l l b e w o n d e r i n g w h a t i t ’s
doing in here, and I do apologize if it seems patronizing, sim-
plistic, or downright rude. I don’t mean to offend or insult,
and I do appreciate that you do think for yourself. I guess
what I mean by this Rule is that we need to be incredibly clear
about our opinions, grounded in our own sense of identity,
and very assertive about being us so that we aren’t easily
swayed by what other people think of us. It’s tougher than it
looks at first glance. We are all vulnerable inside. We all have
fears and concerns. We all want to be loved and accepted. We
all want to blend in, be one of a crowd, be acknowledged. We
all want to belong. The temptation is to say, “I’ll be whatever
you want me to be.”
Being original or creative or different can make us think we
stand out too much and will get shunned. But truly successful
people aren’t shunned; they instead become pack leader
because of their originality, their difference. If you are obnox-
ious or rude or hurtful, you will indeed be shunned. But if you
are kind, thoughtful, caring, and respectful you will be loved
and accepted. If you are also original in your thinking, you
will be looked up to, respected, and admired.
To t h i n k f o r y o u r s e l f , y o u h a v e t o b e p r e t t y s u r e o f w h o y o u
are and be clear in your thinking as well as doing it for
yourself—there’s no point in thinking for yourself if it’s all
muddled and woolly.
I have a friend who is very intelligent and astute, but all her
opinions come from reading a particular national newspaper.