The Rules to Break, 2nd Edition

RULE TO BREAK

“It matters what other people think”

No, no, no. It matters what you think. What you think deep down, I mean – not what you’d like to think. The only sure way to navigate through life is to have your own compass. Then if you want to know whether you’re on track, you have only to refer to yourself.

I have a close friend who is constantly dissatisfied with herself. No matter how well she does at work, she always feels she should have done better. She’s a great mum, but constantly thinks she’s messing up at home too. Why? Because her own mother either tells her she’s not doing enough, or implies it by withholding praise and approval when my friend does well.

One of my half-brothers, who lost his father when he was very young, has ...