As a business owner, a mom, and someone who has been running my photography business for 15 years, I’ve realized something powerful: not everyone gets a vote in my life—or in my business.

It sounds simple, but it’s a game changer. Too often, we let outside opinions—sometimes from people who barely know us—have a say in our decisions. And without even realizing it, we drift away from what we wanted in the first place.

The Power of a Vote

Think of your life like a path. You might know exactly where you’re headed—or you might just have a sense of direction. Along the way, people pop up and tell you where they think you should go:

• “Turn here.”

• “Go that way.”

• “Try this instead.”

The problem is, they don’t see the full picture. They weren’t with you before this moment, and they don’t know where you want to end up. But if you keep following every voice, a year from now you’ll find yourself far off the path you intended—and wondering how you got there.

A Business Example

In my photography business, I require clients to pay in full when booking. It’s what works best for me, and it’s worked well for my clients, too. But what happens if someone comes along and says, “You should only require 50% upfront. You’ll book more sessions that way”?

If I start listening—and then another person comes with another suggestion—I’m suddenly running my business based on everyone else’s preferences instead of what actually works for me. Before long, I’m stressed, misaligned, and exhausted.

The same goes for the types of sessions I offer. If I let every client vote, I’d be doing unicorn sessions one day, sailboat sessions the next, and completely losing sight of what I want for my business.

It’s Not Just Business

This idea applies to life, too—especially motherhood. If you give too many people votes in your life, you’ll always feel drained. Everyone has an opinion about how you should parent, how you should live, or even how you should react to small things.

Here’s a real example: recently, someone honked at me and flipped me off while I was driving slower than they liked. For a moment, I felt awful—like I had ruined their day. But then I realized something: by the time they sped away, they had already forgotten about me. So why should I let their reaction dictate the rest of my day?

Who Actually Gets a Vote?

The truth is, not everyone deserves a vote in your life. Not the stranger at the stoplight. Not the client who wants you to bend your policies. Not the acquaintance who only sees a small snapshot of your world.

Instead, keep a short list of people you trust—your “life lock,” if you will. These are the people who truly know you, have your best interests at heart, and have been there through more than just a moment. When they speak, their vote matters.

Final Thoughts

Everyone will have opinions. But you get to decide whose voices shape your life and business. Protect your energy, your vision, and your passion by being intentional about who gets a vote.

The next time you feel pulled in a hundred directions, pause and ask:

• Does this person really deserve a vote in my life?

• Is this advice aligned with my values and vision?

If the answer is no, let it go—and keep walking your path.