About this quote

Other people's opinions won't make your choices truer. Pick the values that matter to you and use them to check outside criticism. Ask whether the judgment contains useful information or just noise, then act on what you decide. Put your energy into living by your priorities rather than trying to satisfy every onlooker.

When to use it

• Family dinner about my late-night job: 'Who are you to judge the life I live?' I said when my uncle kept lecturing me about my hours.
• Performance review at work: 'Who are you to judge the life I live?' I thought when a colleague assumed my side projects meant I was less committed.
• Doctor's appointment about my alternative diet: 'Who are you to judge the life I live?' I said after the nurse dismissed my cultural food choices.
• After a teammate criticized my off-court hustle: 'Who are you to judge the life I live?' I told him before heading back to practice.