What if you didn’t take it personally?

That snarky or dismissive comment.
A genuine miscommunication.
Someone saying no to you.

Whether it’s from a coworker, a family member, or someone else.

Leaving you feeling hurt, misunderstood, or rejected. Your mind spinning with assumptions about their intentions or what they think of you.

We’ve all been there. It’s common and human, but it can also be draining—especially if you do it often.

Taking something personally means interpreting someone else’s words or actions as being about you—your worth, your character, or your intentions.

Like when someone seems annoyed and you assume it’s because of something you did. Or a coworker gives you feedback and it feels like an attack on you, rather than something helpful.

But often, someone else’s behavior has more to do with them than with you—and might just be coming from a good place.

Maybe they didn’t mean it the way it landed.
Maybe they’re having a tough day.
Maybe it really has nothing to do with you.

Taking things personally wastes your time and mental energy, and leaves you feeling more stressed or anxious about something outside of your control.

And you can’t read other people’s minds. It helps to pause and ask yourself: “What else might be going on here?”

You could ask them about it and clarify in a calm and kind way. That’s a productive action.

You could also simply let go of the drama in your mind. To stop replaying the conversation or scenario in your head and return to the present moment.

Sometimes the real balance we need isn’t just in our calendars or our lives—it’s in our minds.

This isn’t about never taking things personally.
But we can notice it when it happens—and gently shift our attention somewhere more useful.

I still often take things personally at first glance—a facial expression, an offhand remark, something that didn’t go my way. Whether it’s from my husband or kids, a colleague, or even a stranger.

I’m just much better at catching myself. I skip over the drama in my own mind, and respond better to others when I do (for the most part).

We can give others grace and assume positive intent.
And also be kind to ourselves when we do let our minds run away with us.

Don’t pile it on—being hard on yourself for taking something personally doesn’t help either. 😉

The best “no” is often the one we say to our own inner drama—and choose to use our time and mental energy more wisely. We can also show up better with others when we do.

You’ll feel more balanced when you do.

So here’s my nudge for you today…
What’s something stealing your attention that you’re taking personally? What if you just let it go?

Be present, not perfect.

All my best,

Stacey Olson, CPPC is a speaker, leadership coach, and author of Your Balanced and Bold Life: Work Less, Live More, and Be Your Best. She helps busy professionals create more balance, stress less, and be their best both at work and at home—even with the constant demands and messy everyday life. Learn more and get the book here.