“Care about people’s approval, and you will always be their prisoner.”

Lao Tzu

It’s quite difficult to please everyone in this world. If you are trying to do that, then you are definitely inviting people to copyedit you.

Is it okay to change yourself to make others happy? Live the way they want you to? We can change certain habits that are malady for us too, but becoming a different person for others is not possible. We all may not agree on a particular matter, and it is okay as we are entitled to different opinions. It may be difficult to avoid the conformity pressure society puts on us, but hey, we are born to be unique, right? Are you going to change for each and everyone you meet in life? Ultimately, there won’t be any you left in you anymore but a hybrid of these opinions, better said, an alien. Don’t forget – No one is you and that is your superpower.

Be confident (not overconfident), respect others, be full of gratitude that makes you a better person. But if someone still wants you to change, then that’s their problem and not yours. And, maybe it’s them who need a change in their attitude and try accepting others as they are, not some tweaked version of their opinions. Life is not about pleasing everyone. If a few are not satisfied with you, then let them be.

Love and respect your individuality. Don’t spoil your originality for pleasing others. Do you need a certificate of approval to hang on your wall? No, right? Then accept yourself completely, the good and the bad. Make changes as you like and whatever helps you be a better person. Not for the sake of others who expect you to change for their benefits or self-satisfaction, but you. Take charge of your happiness and self-worth. Be happy, be yourself. And always remember the inspiring thought of Andrew Carnegie —

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.”