The Freedom That Comes From Being Disliked

Seeking universal approval is a prison. True power and inner peace lies in the courage to stand alone.

Hello Elite Leaders,

For most of my career, I've watched people, not just CEOs, but husbands, wives, friends, and influencers, climb to a certain level of success only to hit an invisible wall: the need to be liked.

They spend their energy trying to please everyone:

• Their in-laws

• Their colleagues

• Their social media followers

• Even people they barely know

They water down their core beliefs, compromise their values, and shy away from the difficult, necessary conversations.

This is the surest way to a life of quiet desperation.

As Warren Buffett says, "The less you care about what other people think, the easier life gets."

This isn't about being a jerk. It's about being authentic and effective. It's about the profound liberation that comes from shedding the weight of other people’s opinions.

When you stop obsessing over whether you're popular, you become unstoppable. You can finally focus on what matters: your mission, your purpose, your true relationships, and your peace of mind.

The people who are meant to be in your life will be. The people who aren't, won't. And that is exactly how it should be.

The Three Pillars of Freedom from Approval

Here are three practical steps you can take to embrace the power of being disliked and reclaim your freedom in all areas of your life.

1. Define Your Non-Negotiables.

What are the core principles you refuse to compromise on? It could be your personal integrity, your family’s values, or the way you spend your time. Write them down. These are your anchors.

When you make a decision, whether it’s about a business deal, a family dinner, or a friendship, filter it through this list. If it violates a non-negotiable, the answer is a simple, firm "NO."

This gives you a clear framework and eliminates the endless debate of trying to please everyone. You’ll be disliked by those who don’t align with your principles, and that’s a feature, not a bug. They were never your people to begin with.

Remember this… When you’re being yourself, not everybody will like you. BUT, the RIGHT people will LOVE you!

2. Practice Radical Transparency.

Most people try to hide their decisions and their rationale, fearing backlash. A better approach is to state your position clearly and honestly. Don't apologize for your truth.

Explain the "why" behind your choices, even if you know it won't be popular.

For example, if you need to set a boundary with a family member or distance yourself from a toxic friend, don't invent a soft reason. Explain that it’s a necessary move for your mental health and well-being.

The truth, delivered with dignity and respect, is always more powerful than a lie. Some will disagree, but they will respect your honesty.

The ones who don't respect it are a clear signal that your paths are diverging.

3. Find Your Inner Stoic.

The Stoics understood that the only thing you can truly control is your own mind and your own actions. You cannot control what other people think, say, or feel about you. Attempting to is an exercise in futility.

Instead of reacting to every criticism or negative comment, practice emotional detachment. Listen to feedback, but don't let it define your worth or derail your purpose.

Ask yourself, "Is this criticism useful?"

If yes, learn from it.

If no, discard it.

Your self-worth should be a fortress, built on the foundation of your character, not on the shifting sands of public opinion.

If you’re struggling to navigate growth in your business, there are a few ways I can help:

1. Join The 360° Board: A Confidential Advisory Board (HERE)

2. The Elite Leaders Newsletter with 135,000+ subscribers (HERE)

3. Setup a FREE 20 minute call with me directly to talk about possibilities (HERE)

4. Let’s connect on Linkedin along with 190,000 other Elite Leaders (HERE)