They will share inspirational quotes and motivational images like nobody’s business. They will root for the underdog in movies. They will tell you that “Freedom lies in being bold!“, “Go for it!” and “Just do it!”
And so you set forth to try.
And then it starts.
The criticism.
Because what they really meant was anyone but you.
Because you’re a nobody and you’re not what they had in mind. And you’re doing it all wrong.
“Everything tells me that I am about to make a wrong decision, but making mistakes is just part of life. What does the world want of me? Does it want me to take no risks, to go back to where I came from because I didn’t have the courage to say “yes” to life?” — Paulo Coelho
They will ridicule you for trying to climb. They will call you egotistical for sticking your neck out. They will say you’re not different. There’s nothing special about you. And “it’s been done”.
At the same time they tell you that you lack originality, you will be mocked for breaking the rules. Bucking the status quo. Being weird. Unconventional. And trying new things.
They will make quick snap judgements about your character without hesitation. “You’re just looking for attention.” “What a show off.” “Narcissist!” “Glory hound!” You’re a hack. Arrogant, too. You just think you’re better than everyone else.
They will seek to discourage you. “Why are you even trying?”, “You can’t escape the system.” You’re just a loser. Doomed to fail. And whatever it is you seek, you don’t deserve it anyway.
But remember this:
They will misread your intentions, your actions, and your words. They will try to tell you why you are doing what you’re doing — as if they have more insight into what you’re trying to do than you do.
And they will be wrong.
But it doesn’t matter.
Because you’re not doing it for them. You’re doing it for you. And whatever your reasons may be, you don’t have to explain or justify yourself unless you want to. What matters most is simply deciding what you want to do, and then setting forth to do it.
So just treat people well, be as good a person as you can be along the way, and don’t let the naysayers get you down.
Because…
“Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.” – Dennis Wholey
They don’t really think about you as much as you think they do anyway. And when it really comes down to it, why would you care so much about what other people think about you when they don’t provide you with the same consideration?
Don’t listen to the naysayers.
Just do it. Yes, you.
Related:
- Not everyone will understand your journey…
- Likability. Being liked and unliked.
- Believing in yourself…
- You are not a book (and why that matters)
- You are who you choose to be…
- Be your own champion when no one else will
- Rejection is neither an indication of value or talent
- You don’t have to wait for acceptance or permission to do great things
- The mock of shame
