In New York Times column Corner Office (05.03.15), Adam Bryant talks with top executives about the challenges of leading and managing. In an interview with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, a central theme running through many of her responses is the notion of trusting oneself.
I loved her definition of what it means to be relationship with oneself. The following are edited selections of her words.
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I learned for myself, very early in life that the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. If you figure that out, every other relationship is a plus and not a must.
On the subject of confidence, you cannot fake being confident. No. That’s the worst because then you look like an idiot. You have to trust yourself. That’s the most important thing.
In order to trust yourself, you have to have a relationship with yourself. In order to have a relationship with yourself, you have to be hard on yourself, and not be delusional. It all goes back to the same thing.
The relationship you have with yourself is everywhere, every moment of the day:
- to be able to be alone;
- to be able to think;
- to be able to count on yourself;
- to be able to console yourself;
- to be able to inspire yourself;
- to be able to give yourself advice.
You are your best friend.