Are you afraid to make changes in your life because it would make you look bad? Are you afraid that you would lose friends and lovers if you stopped listening to them about how your life should go? Are you afraid that you would not fit in at work, or at parties, because you decided to live a life that was true to you?

Sometimes we are afraid to change our lives because we are worried about what other people will think. They might think we are failures or unable to manage our lives. We can hear them right now "oh, no, not again!" or "why can't you keep things together?" We can't bear to hear this, so we keep up the status quo.

But the status quo is costing you a lot. It is keeping you from being you. How bad can a few words from another person be that you would rather stay stuck than do something constructive for yourself? Let people say what they want. Their words do not have to determine your future.

So How Do You Start Listening To Yourself? Follow These Easy Steps:

1. Do Not Be Driven By What Other People Think. People are entitled to their opinions. Keep in mind that their opinions have come from their experiences, not yours. It does not mean that their opinions reflect how you should live your life. Thank them for sharing their experiences, and then do what's right for you.

2. Accept That There Is Nothing Wrong With Your Chosen Path. Sometimes, we try to fit our lives to what other people think because we believe we should be doing a better job. Nobody's life is perfect. You have a lot to offer, so don't forget that! By not doing what you were born to do, you're cheating the world and cheating yourself.

3. Recognize That Even If You Followed Their Rules, They Still Might Be Unhappy. People who tell you what you should be doing with your life may not be happy with their own. If they are unhappy already, molding your life to fit their expectations will not make them happy. Live your life for you. It is the only way.

4. Let Go Of The Old And Bring In The New. Maybe it's time to show the people who are not supporting and loving you the door. This way, you can make room for positive and encouraging people to come in. And who knows, maybe this will be the wake up call for those around you who want to stay.

5. Listen To Yourself. Even though you might think that you don't know what is right for you, inside you know. (And, you have always known!) It has been calling to you for a long time. Maybe now you're ready to listen.

6. Take Action. If your life has not been working, then it's up to you to do something about it. The best part of having others tell you what to do is that you don't have to take responsibility when things don't turn out. You also have someone to blame. Now is the time to stop. Make your life better because you want to. Life is about steps and taking even one step a day (no matter how small) will get you to where you want to be.

7. Reward Yourself For A Job Well Done. It's not easy shifting yourself from being a person who worries about what other people think to a person who lives life based on what feels right. Congratulations for being that person.

Isn't it time you lived a life for you? You only have one life to live so it might as well be a life you love.

Deborah Brown is a noted Personal Coach and Life Consultant who works with executives, professionals and entrepreneurs helping them remove obstacles so they can surpass their dreams. Having a life you love starts when you believe you can. Deborah shows you that you can. To learn more visit: http://www.surpassyourdreams.com, send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com or call (212) 586-0787.