Life significantly improves when you understand these two choices

Alex Mathers
6 min readOct 6, 2024

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I’ve been criticised all my life.

Mostly, these centre around being ‘too quiet,’ ‘boring,’ ‘serious,’ ‘morose,’’ ‘sleepy,’ ‘like I’ve just woken up,’ and ‘angry.’

I’m pretty introverted, have slitty eyes, and it can look like I’m sleepy and grumpy a lot of the time.

Of course, being criticised doesn’t make me unique or a special case. Nor does it mean that this reflects who I really am, or how I feel, or that I haven’t had people praise me for my confidence too.

But I cling to the comments that have bothered me the most. And these are the ones that have turned into a complex for me like a gnarly toad stuck on my back.

The complex can be self-fulfilling.

If I’m worried about how ‘boring’ others think I am, then I tighten up, act defensively, and hey presto — I’m no fun to be around.

An ideal world for me would be one in which everyone continually said how awesome, cool and fun I am while avoiding any and all forms of negative judgement.

I’m guessing it’s the same for you, right?

Not going to happen.

Now, with this, I have a choice — we have a choice.

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Alex Mathers

Helping you develop a consistent writing habit with impact. Regular tips: https://www.masteryden.com