Allow Them To Think For Themselves

There are some scenarios where we made someone upset because we were trying to help and want to make things better for them, but you realized this isn’t what they are looking for because some people don’t want to be helped by others due to too much pressure that they get from it. 

Sometimes a better approach is to get them to think about their own decisions with their own problems. When they complain to you about a conflict that you already know well it is a good idea to just listen because this is for them and not for you.

When you are listening they feel safe and heard. It is consequential to concentrate and focus on their own feelings because this is what matters. Instead of telling them what would happen if… alter it with how would this make you feel if... By this type of approach they are more willing to be receptive with what you have to say because you are coming from understanding and connecting rather than controlling. 

Supposedly one of your friends wants to start their own fitness journey, but they are afraid to be criticized. This is a great time to come up with hypothetical scenarios and ask them how they would feel if they never start their journey and let other people’s opinions get to them? 

Sometimes to make other people’s goals and dreams become a reality they just need someone like you to ask intelligent questions without feeling extra pressure. On occasion they don’t need recommendations or advice, but just an examination for themselves to have more clarity that will lead them to what they truly want. Then you have really helped.