Let me solve one of life's greatest mysteries for you.

You'll probably be at your happiest when you follow your own convictions instead of listening to others.

If you sit around waiting for the approval of others, you'll always be miserable.

Why?

Because your happiness is tethered to other people giving you permission. They have the power.

Instead, don't ask for permission to be yourself. BE yourself.

Have the courage to take that first uncertain step into discovering who you are. The rest comes easier, I promise you.

I bring this up because I see this very often with Raskol. We run ads and its very, VERY common to see people tag friends asking “Should I get this?”

“These shorts look pretty colourful, what do you think?!”

They're asking for permission to be themselves. And that is no way to be.

They WANT to try something new but they are afraid of judgement. And fear of judgement from others has killed more dreams than perhaps anything else.

So if you are reading this, don't wait seeking the approval of people who's opinions don't matter.

Take courage and take that first step.

Your best self is just around the corner.