Find people who will tell you that you’re naked.

Do you remember the old tale of the emperor’s new clothing? His trusted cabinet falsely encouraged the ruler by ensuring him his new clothes were divine out of fear that he would banish them if they told the truth- the emperor was naked. We have friends in our lives that want the best for us but are afraid to be honest about aspects of our lives when asked. Personally, I know I get defensive and upset when someone I care about disagrees with the idea that I’ve fallen in love with. I’m an idea romantic, it doesn’t take much for me to fall head-over-heels in love with an idea, but I am also quick to pierce it with as many flaws as I can think of. Anytime I have stubbornly gone with something that my trusted loved ones warned me against, I’ve found disappointment or failure. Every. Single. Time.

Sometimes a poor decision is a way out of another poor choice, but it is still a bad idea nonetheless. Find people who know you enough to remind you who you are when you forget or get blinded by frustration and hopelessness. Step back and listen to what they say, ask them why they think your idea is a dud, and hey- if they are telling you that you’re foolishly naked, they may be wrong, but they may right.