HOW TO OVERCOME PUBLIC OPINION. (PART 4)

WHY WE SHOULDN’T BE BOTHERED BY WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US.

Another aspect of the fear of public opinion is the concern of people regarding what others are saying about them. We don’t like people to say bad things about us. Many people suffer because of what people say about them. Many are angry and offended when they hear that other people are talking about them in their absence. In actual fact that is a form of hypocrisy. In the real sense, we all talk about other people in their absence including that person that is complaining.

That is a constancy that nobody can change. People talk, just as we talk. The best thing you can do about people talking behind you is to let them talk. Backbiting, talking about others in their absence is about the cheapest or readily available form of entertainment people have. They don’t need to pay for it. They don’t need the iPad or internet. They just need a companion and that is all. That is why we all engage in it.

“It’s not the public opinion of what you are that matters, but the private personality of who you are!” ― Israelmore Ayivor.

Let’s admit it. Most of us are often in bad moods, wandering about our days looking for what to think and do. Gossiping is about the only readily available option that is there for everyone. It is also the cheapest. Any talk of our dislikes of gossip and other people talking behind our backs, is in the least hypocritical, because we all do it. My advice to people is that they should not lose their sleep over people talking about them in their absence, because that same day, they too have spoken about other people in their absence. Let people talk. Simply move on with your life. People are going to keep on talking anyway.

“If any man despises me that is his problem. My only concern is not doing or saying anything deserving of contempt.” ― Marcus Aurelius

A lot of things that we actually get troubled about, get to complain about and be discouraged about, are really things that we should just smile about. Some people have taken this to mean a fear of public opinion. They don’t like people to talk about them. They suffer, they are discouraged, they are disillusioned and at times they are even angry.  It is much easier to live when you decide to pay less attention to public opinion, especially to what people are thinking about you.

“I won’t ask you to tell me who has spoken ill of me, but I would like to know who has spoken favorably.” ― Santiago Roncagliolo

We shouldn’t think that our neighbor’s opinion about us has to be right, right in our own understanding. Friends a lot of things in this world are not right and not too many of them are going to be right soon so what do we do in that situation? Keep on living, do your best and enjoy life. Disregard other people’s opinion. As the case may be, everybody has the right to their own opinion.

“What the public wants today and what it sees as important down the road will almost certainly not be the same.” ― Gary Schmitt

To be continued tomorrow with the following points:

• 4 Concrete steps to overcoming public opinion.

FOR   THE   LOVE   OF   GOD,   CHURCH   AND   NATION

By Pastor Sunday Adelaja.