It’s Impossible to Please Everyone; Focus First on Yourself

While it’s impossible to please everyone, the only thing you can control is ensuring you’re happy first.

Photo by Chris Ghinda on Unsplash

“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” — John Lydgate

Anyone who has flown on an airplane has heard it. Some of us have heard it so many times we barely pay attention to it anymore. But it’s emphasized and repeated for a very good reason:

In case of an emergency, oxygen masks will fall from the overhead compartment. Ensure your mask is properly attached before assisting others with their mask.

It isn’t just a suggestion. It’s not just a “good idea.” It’s stated for a simple reason:

If you lose consciousness, you will be useless in helping anyone else.

Not only will you be useless, you will actually become a burden because now someone has to resuscitate you.

And if, God forbid, you die? Well now you’ve only made things worse.

So put your ego and macho aside and put on your fuckin’ oxygen mask first!

The Importance of Taking Care of Yourself First

This is a fairly easy (albeit extreme) example of why it’s important to take care of yourself first. Most find this obvious, and even those that don’t find it obvious can be convinced why it’s still important to put on your own mask before your spouse or children.

But the obviousness ends there for most people.

When it comes to the other aspects of their lives? Millions of people focus on everyone else’s needs first.

This is seen often in relationships, friendships, and especially children.

Now before we go any further it’s essential I point out that I’m not suggesting anyone become a heartless asshole and not care about other people’s feelings or let their children starve. This, of course, is NOT about neglecting your kids or your relationships because some stranger online told you to…