Say what you think and dont be apologetic about it

Say what you think and dont be apologetic about itSay what you think and dont be apologetic about itHave you ever stated your opinion only to be shot down by someone else?Maybe by your spouse, boss, parents, or best friend? Or even a stranger?It happened to me many times in the past. Growing up, I always had an opinion about everything.Having an opinion doesnt mean you know everything. It just means you have something to say. You could be wrong.But often times, my teachers, friends, girlfriends, co-workers, and even friends would immediately say things like, Thats elend true So gradually, I gave up speaking my mind. I became afraid.Last week, I published an article about why I avoid toxic people. I mentioned that I think less than 1% of the population has values.You wouldnt believe how many people were offended by my opinion. How do you know its less than 1% And a bunch of nasty words. Two people even emailed me a whole essay about why its wrong.People were truly hurt. Ironically, in the same article, I mentioned that if you feel hurt, thats because you decided that.There is no truth - only opinionIn the article, I clearly stated my opinion. The sentence starts with I think, for a reason.Of course, I have no idea exactly how many people lack values. No one knows.Plus, everything thats presented as a fact in life is, in reality, an opinion. So when people try to challenge your opinions, know that they are playing a useless game.Theres only your truth. It reminds me of a section in my book, THINK STRAIGHT. Here it isAre facts also the truth? The answer is no. Confusing, right? Its just like life. For example, does God exist? I dont know. Ive never seen any evidence. Does that mean God is not real? It doesnt matter what I think. If God has an impact on the way you live, its true for you no matter what scientists say.Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher who had a profound impact on cowboyfilm philosophy, famously said There are no facts, only interpretation s.Nietzsche was a man of true self-knowledge. Sigmund Freud even said that he had a more penetrating knowledge of himself than any other man who ever lived or was ever likely to live.He was a very analytical thinker, especially when it came to his own thoughts. When Nietzsche said that there are no facts, he meant that we, as human beings, ultimately rely on our interpretations of reality. Theres no way to confirm reality objectively.That doesnt mean nothing is real and that were all living in a big dream. We just have to realize that facts are not the same thing as the truth.That simple thought saves you a lot of energy because it means no one can be right or wrong. Dont bother with convincing people with different opinions of the truth. Its just not a practical thing to do. Save your energy for other, more useful things.Say what you thinkLook, I used to be afraid to say what I thought.Maybe Im wrong.What will other people say?Theyll think Im stupid.It doesnt matter. You know why? Theres no universal truth. We all know nothing. So you might as well say what you think. Because without opinions, life would be like a cracker.A boring piece of dry toast with salt. Who likes to eat crackers every day for the rest of their lives?Also, dont be apologetic. Think about important things in your life, relationships, and career. Have clear opinions about them. And then Own your truths.I learned this three years ago from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote this in his 1841 Essay, Self-RelianceMan is timid and apologetic he is no longer upright he dares not say I think, I am, but quotes some saint or sage.You know what I did after I read this? I started my blog and started speaking my mind. And that changed my life.Remember Theres no universal truth or higher authority in life. You can say and think whatever you want.No one will stop you as long as it comes from a good place.Theres one condition though Take ownership of your words. If youre wrong, admit it with confidence. And be respectful.That will also boost your self-confidence. Give it a try.What do you think?This article originally appeared on DariusForoux.com.Say what you think and dont be apologetic about itHave you ever stated your opinion only to be shot down by someone else?Maybe by your spouse, boss, parents, or best friend? Or even a stranger?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIt happened to me many times in the past. Growing up, I always had an opinion about everything.Having an opinion doesnt mean you know everything. It just means you have something to say. You could be wrong.But often times, my teachers, friends, girlfriends, co-workers, and even friends would immediately say things like, Thats not true So gradually, I gave up speaking my mind. I became afraid.Last week, I published an article about why I avoid toxic people. I mentioned that I think less than 1% of the population has va lues.You wouldnt believe how many people were offended by my opinion. How do you know its less than 1% And a bunch of nasty words. Two people even emailed me a whole essay about why its wrong.People were truly hurt. Ironically, in the same article, I mentioned that if you feel hurt, thats because you decided that.There is no truth - only opinionIn the article, I clearly stated my opinion. The sentence starts with I think, for a reason.Of course, I have no idea exactly how many people lack values. No one knows.Plus, everything thats presented as a fact in life is, in reality, an opinion. So when people try to challenge your opinions, know that they are playing a useless game.Theres only your truth. It reminds me of a section in my book, THINK STRAIGHT. Here it isAre facts also the truth? The answer is no. Confusing, right? Its just like life. For example, does God exist? I dont know. Ive never seen any evidence. Does that mean God is not real? It doesnt matter what I think. If God h as an impact on the way you live, its true for you no matter what scientists say.Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher who had a profound impact on western philosophy, famously said There are no facts, only interpretations.Nietzsche was a man of true self-knowledge. Sigmund Freud even said that he had a more penetrating knowledge of himself than any other man who ever lived or was ever likely to live.He was a very analytical thinker, especially when it came to his own thoughts. When Nietzsche said that there are no facts, he meant that we, as human beings, ultimately rely on our interpretations of reality. Theres no way to confirm reality objectively.That doesnt mean nothing is real and that were all living in a big dream. We just have to realize that facts are not the same thing as the truth.That simple thought saves you a lot of energy because it means no one can be right or wrong. Dont bother with convincing people with different opinions of the truth. Its just not a practi cal thing to do. Save your energy for other, more useful things.Say what you thinkLook, I used to be afraid to say what I thought.Maybe Im wrong.What will other people say?Theyll think Im stupid.It doesnt matter. You know why? Theres no universal truth. We all know nothing. So you might as well say what you think. Because without opinions, life would be like a cracker.A boring piece of dry toast with salt. Who likes to eat crackers every day for the rest of their lives?Also, dont be apologetic. Think about important things in your life, relationships, and career. Have clear opinions about them. And then Own your truths.I learned this three years ago from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote this in his 1841 Essay, Self-RelianceMan is timid and apologetic he is no longer upright he dares not say I think, I am, but quotes some saint or sage.You know what I did after I read this? I started my blog and started speaking my mind. And that changed my life.Remember Theres no universal truth or hi gher authority in life. You can say and think whatever you want.No one will stop you as long as it comes from a good place.Theres one condition though Take ownership of your words. If youre wrong, admit it with confidence. And be respectful.That will also boost your self-confidence. Give it a try.What do you think?This article originally appeared on DariusForoux.com.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people