Chapter 1: Reflecting on First Jobs

Have you ever thought back to your initial job experiences? Many of us often approached our first positions with a sense of nonchalance. However, can you recall the first role where you genuinely put in effort? Personally, I remember my time at K-Mart, where I worked as a shelf-stocker.

What actions did you take that signaled you were committed? Most of us aimed to demonstrate our value to our supervisors, driven by the desire for promotions, raises, and bonuses. This often meant putting in extra hours—unpacking deliveries, assisting customers, or boosting sales. Yet, for some, this sometimes led to unnecessary self-deprecation, which is counterproductive.

I vividly recall the moment I began to take my work seriously. I was in the process of stocking bathroom accessories like toilet seats and soap dishes. Each box took me a couple of minutes to manage, and my movements felt sluggish and almost sarcastic.

It was during this time that the store manager, Mark, noticed me. I had previously formed a negative opinion of him, but his words changed my perspective. He approached me, took the box from my hands, and asserted, “Lucas, you need to show up and work harder. You're replaceable—there's a line of people willing to do this job better and faster. Do you understand?”

I nodded, feeling a mixture of fear and respect. Mark’s tone was firm yet surprisingly supportive. He quickly demonstrated how to stock shelves efficiently and handed the box back, saying, “I believe in you. You’re not a kid anymore. Can you afford to lose this job because of laziness? Show me you can work harder.”

Initially, I felt anger, but that night, I realized he was right—I couldn’t afford to lose another job. From that day forward, I dedicated myself to proving my worth. I might not have been the quickest, but I stepped out of my comfort zone to better serve customers. Eventually, I earned several regional awards for my service, surprising everyone with my newfound extroversion!

After more than a decade of striving to prove myself to external figures, I made the decision to leave that path behind.

Who are you attempting to impress? Is it your boss, family, spouse, children, or friends? Consider why you feel the need to seek their approval. While there's nothing inherently wrong with wanting to impress others, it’s crucial to understand your motivations. Often, this desire for validation can lead to self-neglect. As Jordan Peterson wisely puts it, “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.”

In conclusion, strive to prove yourself to yourself. Have the courage to work hard, remain honest, stay fit, love authentically, and do the right thing—not for the approval of others, but for your own self-worth. Ultimately, you can never truly know what others desire from you.

Chapter 2: The Shift in Mindset

This video showcases Shania Twain's iconic song "That Don't Impress Me Much," which emphasizes the importance of self-worth and not being swayed by others' opinions.

In this performance of "That Don't Impress Me Much," Shania Twain reminds us to prioritize our self-esteem over seeking approval from others.