Norman Lear wrote and produced famous sitcoms like All In the Family, One Day At A Time and The Jeffersons.

When he was selected for the Television Academy’s Hall of Fame. Lear called his mother to tell her of the honor. Her response?
“Well, if that’s what they want to do, Norman, who am I to say.”

The actress Tess Parker had a similar experience after being picked to star in the movie Tender Mercies. “Mother, I just got my first major film role!” exclaimed Parker. To which her mother replied, “Well, Tessie, when this is all over, you’ll have met some wonderful people.”

Family and friends who love us the most can sometimes be the least supportive — often without realizing it. Perhaps they think they are shielding us from future disappointment. Protecting us from potential hurt. Preparing us for possible failure. Whatever the reasons, they can shatter dreams if we listen too closely.

And, as you’ve probably noticed, we can sometimes fail to support ourselves by listening to little voices in our heads that tell us we aren’t good enough, smart enough or creative enough to reach our goals.

So how do we deal with these insidious little voices — whether coming from those around us or broadcasting from inside ourselves?

Start by taking a deep breath. Then grab a sheet of paper and write down the negative words. Inspect them in the light of day. Are they truthful? If so, decide what steps are needed to alter your plan of action or to change your mindset. Determine how you can surge ahead, despite any obstacles.

But if those negative and self-defeating words are false, stop listening! Rip up the paper they’re written on. Laugh at their absurdity. Then move on.

Don’t let little voices dismantle big dreams.