Are you giving power over your life to other people?

Are you giving power over your life to other people?

Happiness is very much about positive relationships and other people.

But happiness also requires self-care.

So giving TOO MUCH to other people can be detrimental to happiness; and many of us aren’t even aware we’re doing it…

via Inc.com by Amy Morin

A few years ago, I wrote a book called 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. I’ve received thousands of emails over the years from readers telling me which “thing” they struggled with the most. The struggle people seem to be able to relate to most, is number two–mentally strong people don’t give away their power.

It’s something we all do sometimes. Maybe you let your co-worker’s bad mood ruin your day. Or perhaps you let someone’s criticism damage your self-image.

Any time you allow someone to have a negative influence over the way you think, feel, or behave, you give them power over your life. It will rob you of the mental strength you need to reach your greatest potential.

Sometimes, it’s obvious when you give up your power. Losing your cool and doing something you regret is a prime example.

But it’s also possible to give up your power in more subtle ways. You might not even realize you’re doing it.

Here are 10 ways you might be giving away your personal power without even realizing t:

1. You give in to guilt trips.

If you change your behavior because someone tugs at your heart strings, you give that individual power over you. Speak up, stick to your word, and don’t give in even when someone tries to play on your emotions.

2. You allow someone else’s opinion of you to dictate your self-worth.

Some people won’t like you and some people won’t like your choices. You don’t have to let their opinions affect how you feel about yourself, however. Feeling bad about yourself based on what someone says or how that person feels about you gives that person too much power over you.

3. You don’t establish healthy boundaries.

You decide who to allow into your life. If you grow resentful of people who take up too much of your energy, it’s a sign you aren’t setting clear boundaries. Establish clear physical, emotional, and financial boundaries…

…keep reading the full & original article HERE