The Man In The Arena

No matter how big or silly your goals and dreams sound to others, if you are passionate about them, then go after them with all you have – after all it is passion that gives life purpose, and without purpose, this world can become a very unfulfilling place indeed.

Yes, as you try to reach your goals and break free of the traditional life that most people lead you will encounter resistance, and you will be criticised – this resistance will come in the form of negative comments, sarcasm, and jealousy (masquerading as “concern”).

Don’t be surprised if this criticism comes from the people closest to you, as this is often the case. In fact, you’ll probably hear the classic line, “you’ve changed”.

At first, this comment can stop you in your tracks as you try to work out exactly what that person meant with those words. You will probably try to work out how you have actually changed, and for a while, comments like this can leave you feeling down and dejected.

However, if you stay strong and focused, and you persist with your dreams, you will naturally go deeper into the world of self-development, and you’ll start to understand change is fine.

In fact, it’s not only fine, but it’s also inevitable. We’re meant to change. It’s part of life and growing up.

You’ll understand that receiving negative comments and actions are normal for anyone who tries to break free from the herd. It’s part of the hero’s journey.

Like crabs in a bucket, when people think others may outgrow them or do better than them, they have a habit of trying to hold people back or trying to bring them down.

As the saying goes, ‘people want you to do better, just not better than them’, and unfortunately, this seems to be true of most of society. (It’s why surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is key to your success.)

However, if you are prepared for these negative encounters and disparaging words then you can navigate them pretty easily. You will learn that peoples opinions of you have actually got nothing to do with you, and they are more a reflection of themselves and where they are currently in life.

As the meme says, “Nod. Agree. Then do whatever the f*ck you were going to do anyway.”

After all, this is your life, and your journey and only you know what is best for you.

Only you know what is in your heart, and only you know what you truly desire and want out of your time on this earth.

You shouldn’t be made to feel silly, absurd or foolish for wanting to follow your dreams. In fact, not following them is what would be crazy in my opinion.

Yes, you may encounter some failures (or lessons) on your journey, but they are par for the course. The lessons are what allow us to adapt, grow and learn how to overcome obstacles.

Every successful person has failed more times than the average person has even tried. However, they didn’t let their failures stifle them. Instead, they saw these “failures” as part of the learning process, and how not to do things next time.

Just like when a baby starts to learn to walk, they will fall over time and time again, until one day they finally stand up and they can walk without interruption.

(Babies don’t fall down and then refuse to try walking again in case they fail. They are not embarrassed or scared to try again, and they will persist until they finally get what they want – which is a lesson most adults could learn from.)

It’s the challenges in life that not only make it worthwhile, but they also allow us to become who we need to be, so we can reach our highest potential.

If along the way to becoming who you need to be you are criticised, you polarise opinion, and you outgrow people, then so be it.

I know this can be hard to take if you are a caring person, but the truth is, these are usually signals that you are on the right path, and you are doing something good in the world.

So keep doing you, and keep spreading your message and energy as far and wide as possible.

And, when you encounter resistance, remind yourself of these wise words from Ricky Gervais …

“It’s better to create something that others criticise, than to create nothing and criticise others.”

Health & Happiness

Ryan

P.S. If you have been struggling with your own health issues and would like to see if or how we could help you then click the link here, fill out the form and Ryan or one of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.