Regardless of what you think about transgender issues, the walk that Bruce Jenner is taking is filled with numerous life lessons for all of us. Whether you’re thinking of changing a career, leaving your marriage, quitting your job, putting your thoughts out into the world or declaring that you’re gay or transgender, there are lessons you can learn from Bruce’s journey. Below are five core lessons for all of us to take notice of as we all go through our own journeys through life.
1. There will ALWAYS be haters. Anytime you step out to do better, be better, take care of you, go out on a limb to do something different or start to become successful—there will always be people who are threatened, angry, jealous or judgmental about your choices and your success. Don’t waste time or energy on trying to please them—they are seldom please-able.
2. Don’t wait decades to live YOUR life. You only get one life, so make the most of it from the beginning. Countless people will have unending advice about how you should live your life. Don’t fall into the trap of putting your life on hold for others. There will often be some reason why now is not a good time for you to put yourself first, but make the time.
3. Don’t allow others to drown YOU out. Tune in. Listen to what you think. Take stock of what you believe and stop asking others what they believe. Trust yourself and learn to stand behind yourself. Create the life that you’ve been wanting to create and be true to yourself. The right people will meet you when you dare to step into your story, not theirs.
4. Choose your friends wisely. One day they will make all the difference in your life. Let go of trying to fit in with the “in” crowd. Don’t waste time befriending those who sit in judgment of others—one day they will sit in judgment of you. Choose to surround yourself with people who will help you rise, not those who will drag you down. Don’t ever shrink so others feel okay in your presence—if they’re true friends they will celebrate your successes, hold your hand through the hardships and help carry you when you feel as if you can’t stand on your own. Choose wisely.
5. Much of what people say about you is NOT about you. Don’t allow the comments of others to take you down. Much of what others say has more to do with their own insecurities, upbringing, culture and experiences than it does with you. Learn to recognize what’s about you and what’s not about you.
Stepping outside your comfort zone takes courage, tenacity and strength. If that step is outside the “norm” or goes against people’s beliefs, then the level of courage required is intensified—as is the likelihood of people harshly judging you. Don’t allow their hate to become your measuring stick.
Challenge: Dare to listen to yourself and make the moves your soul knows you need to make.