Can You Ultimately Control Your Reputation?

by Ryan Biddulph

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No.

Why not?

Humans can influence other humans. But humans cannot control what other people think about them.

eBook Review

For example, I wrote and self-published an 80 page, in-depth guide for my first eBook. I teach folks how to retire to a life of island hopping through blog. After clearly explaining how I did it, with practical blogging strategies, mindset tips and everything in between to help you circle the globe through blogging, I sold more than a few copies.

A New York Times Best Selling Author tweet endorsed the eBook. A million dollar business builder endorsed the eBook favorably, too.

I am no Hemingway but it is clearly a helpful, robust, quality guide for living your dreams through blogging.

After checking my reviews, I noticed someone left a 1 star deal. She mentioned the eBook was just me rambling on about walking dogs by the sea.

I did mention this story, for sure. But I also added 83 pages of stellar content tweet endorsed by one of the most powerful, respected business consultants on earth.

What does this prove?

You cannot control your reputation because you cannot control what people think about you. You can influence some people positively. Others just do not resonate with your style. A third, unhappy, unclear crowd perceives you in a totally warped, illusory light.

Different Circles

In some circles, I have a poor blogging reputation. See above; the 1 star reviewer sees me and my eBook in a negative light.

I also noticed fellow 1 star reviewers attract 5 or 10 other folks who deem their negative reviews helpful. In these groups, I have a poor blogging reputation.

Even if you do an excellent job, unhappy, unclear folks allow their negativity to obscure their perception of your work. Negative reviews and a negative reputation in these circles follow. Release these folks. Let go trying to control their thoughts.

You Can Be Fabulous But Unhappy People See a Skewed Reality

If the Dalai Lama has critics you will no doubt attract people who have a negative view of you. Nice, generous, kind people may be held in low esteem by pained, fear-filled, unclear humans.

People who vibe mainly from fear see a skewed illusion that deviates from reality. See the reviewer above who ignored 83 pages of in-depth value and zeroed in on the story of me and dogs on the beach. I cannot control her pain and fear so I feel at peace with her negative review. What if 50 other unhappy folks find her review helpful and try to damage my reputation? I genuinely do not care because I cannot control what people think or say about me. I am OK with that.

What You Can Control

You can control your honesty. Tell the truth. Be genuine. Be authentic.

By telling the truth and being warm and compassionate, you will attract a large, loyal, loving tribe that accelerates your success. Unclear people who see you in a negative light will show up too. Some people blinded by your light react in negative fashion.

If you live from your heart and generously help people you will succeed.

At the end of the day, your happiness in helping others and in achieving some worldly success matters most.