4 Tips to Making it Work in Your Favor

"You must be willing to speak your mind." I heard that at a bookstore recently. Yet it seems we do not always hear enough from our leaders regarding the importance of "Being willing to speak your mind." Sometimes people are afraid to speak their mind for fear of what others might think or say about them. I often recommend to my clients to be "vigorous" in the presentation of your ideas and opinions, but I also encourage you to be "willing to listen."


Freedom is a basic human right. It is inextricably intertwined with self-confidence and self-esteem. You must be willing to step out in the public arena armed with a confident self-image, an opinion and a passion for life. You cannot hide who you are behind a mask of "professional" writer, photographer, minister or psychiatrist.

There are bullies on the playground and there are those who wish to protect their turf. A true bully is someone who believes they know best who they are and who they can control. They are not interested in the well being of others. Those who are willing to listen, who are willing to explore different ideas, are more in tune with the world's needs and are able to meet them head-on and grow by doing so.

Listen without interruption. If something you are passionate about does not fit into the conversation, politely ask them to take it up another avenue. If someone is talking about their religious views while you are trying to raise children, listen without interruption. Listen to them to find out what they are really saying. Then, based upon your understanding, tell them why that is so. Do not attempt to convert them or influence them in any way.

You must be willing to risk losing others' respect by speaking your mind. Do not hide your opinions in a drawer somewhere. Stand up for yourself. Dare to be heard and stand up for what you believe. You will be amazed at the people who are willing to listen and learn from you.

Be willing to follow your heart. Your feelings can guide you on the right course. If your heart tells you to quit something, don't. It may be harmful to you as well as the people around you. Follow your gut instincts. They will be your greatest guides.

Speak up, even if you are afraid. Stand up for what is right. Speak out when you are afraid to speak up or feel uncomfortable. You are not alone; there are others out there with similar thoughts and fears just like you.

Take time out for yourself. You have plenty of opportunities to think about how you are feeling, what you want, and how you are speaking your mind. Find time to recharge, get out of the house, take a walk, and do something that you find interesting. You must be willing to do this if you truly want to gain control over your mind and be in charge of your life.

Try not to worry too much about what other people think of you. Your opinion may be right, but they may not think it is so. Your opinion may be right, but they may not be. Think about the things you tell yourself about yourself and those around you. Do you think they believe what you say to yourself?

Be willing to listen to other people's thoughts and ideas. Learn to listen to other people's ideas. The more you hear different ideas out there in the world, the more you will begin to think about how you are thinking and speaking your mind as well as what others may think of you.

The worst thing you can do is refuse to believe people when they tell you that you are wrong. Refusing to believe something only leads to more problems down the road. If you do not want to be a part of that kind of turmoil, you need to be able to believe in yourself first.


You must know that only you are in control of your mind. There is no one else on the planet responsible for what your mind does or says. No one except you. You have the power of thought and the power to think and speak what is in your deepest heart.