You are not defined by other people’s opinions

People’s perception of you does not define you. You are not who someone else says you are. You define you, in your mind and through your action. Only problems happen when you absorb your identity from what other people think and say. You either become a victim of their criticism or a prisoner to their praise. You have no chance of controlling anyone’s opinion of you, so don’t let their opinion control you.

Put intense focus on living the standards you decide for yourself and how you want to interact with others. Those who value your standards, or benefit from them, will eventually feel it and value you. When someone doesn’t value your standards, maybe even criticizes them, you can confidently let them be them while you be you. No judgment. No defensiveness. No worrying about their opinion.

Do the work.