It's OK if Everyone Doesn't Like You

You don't want to be like water!
-Gail Blanke (courtesy of Betty Confidential)

This week try to let go of thinking that absolutely everybody has to like you. Or approve of you. Or admire you. I'm serious. As my mom taught me, the only thing everybody likes is water - and that's because it has no taste! Do you want to be like water? No! What you want to be is 100 percent you - you with all your quirks and all your talents in full display.

The truth is, the world belongs not to the one who fits in but to the one who stands out. Or as Bill Cosby said, "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."

Here's a fact: if enough people love you, the ones who don't, don't matter. So straighten up those shoulders, stick out that chin, and walk into every room this week remembering that you're totally unique - and that the world's been waiting for you to step forward and make your mark. As only you can make it.

Gail Blanke is founder, president, and chief executive officer of Lifedesigns, LLC, a company whose vision is to empower men and women worldwide to live truly exceptional lives. She is also a best-selling author, a renowned executive coach and presentation skills trainer and is considered one of the finest motivational speakers in the country.