It can’t be done.
Only a moron would do that.
You must be crazy.
Stop dreaming and get a real job.
Please raise your hand if you’ve ever heard one the above phrases or some variation thereof. If I weren’t typing, both my hands would be way up in the air. There’s a funny thing that happens when you decide to follow a dream or work on an idea. All of a sudden all the negative people in your life start to give opinions no one asked them for.
Why is that? You may wonder, I know I have many times. I’ve wondered why would a mother tell her daughter she sings flat and destroy her confidence to be a singer. Why would someone say “why’s he going to medical school does he think he’s better than us? He should be a cop.” or how about this classic a good friend told me “I love you to death but stop trying to get rich quick with crazy ideas and businesses.” What the.. What?! HELLO!! It’s called aspiring, dreaming, wanting to do more.. Since when did striving become a bad thing? I don’t know, call me crazy but I have to follow what I believe in. Is a life without risks really worth living? Not for me it isn’t. I believe in taking risks; nothing worthwhile comes easy at least not in my experience.
So you’re probably wondering what are the three reasons for this strange phenomenon of people who love you telling you it can’t be done.
Reason #1: Fear. Yes, that age old diabolical feeling that makes your palms sweat, your bowels quiver and your eyes start searching for a clear way to run. These individuals fear many things and it indeed is a powerful emotion. They fear that if you actually succeed first, they’ll have to confront their own inadequacy that they didn’t do it. Second, they have to think of all the things they should have done in life that they never even attempted. Finally, they have to sit on the sidelines and watch you enjoy your success eating Filet Mignon while they slurp their cup o’ noodles. Generally though they’re just afraid your new found success will take you to higher and better places and leave them alone to wallow in regret.
Reason #2: Envy. Ooh I said it. That’s right it’s hating in its purest form. They say to themselves “I just can’t stand you having something better than me.” “Misery loves company and I’m miserable so pull up a chair and we’ll be miserable together.” They think that as long as everything stays the same then their perception of their life being better or equal to yours is ok and will remain that way. Their thoughts are generally “Who told you to go and change things.” People do not like change or seeing others prosper while they remain in the same place.
Reason #3: Pride. Ok, now this one is even more powerful than the first two. The thought is “I am the most important person on this ball we call a planet and since you’re not me, I have to tear you down.” This individual is driven by 100% pure ego. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about even if you’ll never admit it.
So there you have it, these are the thoughts that prevail in most people when you share your dreams and ideas. Anyone who doesn’t say “Go for it and let me how I can help.” Isn’t truly interested in your success. Now that you know you’re not alone in this type of situation follow this pearl I’ve learned. Don’t tell anyone what you’re planning or working on, just do it. Then, the naysayers will only find out after you’ve succeeded and say “I knew you could do it.”
Image by: striatic
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