CRITICISM

We all know the more you put yourself out there and take a stand for what you believe in, the more people will start to tear you down. But truth be told, the harshest critics are usually standing on the sidelines.

Chuck Palahniuk once stated, “It’s easy to attack and destroy an act of creation. It’s a lot more difficult to perform one.”

Personally, I resonate with this topic so well for many reasons. There was a moment in my life, a moment of clarity if you will, in which I simply realized that life is not worth living in the shadows. To me, being fearful of other’s opinions is like being trapped in solitary confinement. Now, do I still battle with this? Of course! I spent the majority of my adulthood caring WAY more than I should about people’s opinions of me. It has become a reflex, and in the business world you never want to give off a bad impression. But the freedom that comes when caring more about your vision than another’s criticism is simply PRICELESS.

It has taken me years to get here, but I’m finally at a point where I am less worried about someone’s opinion, but I’m also conscious of how they may perceive me. Whether it’s Sales, Writing, Teaching, Music, Fashion, it doesn’t matter the profession, THE BOLD STAND OUT. Are you willing to drop the insecurities and let your voice be heard? Are you willing to no longer care what Nancy Neighbor is going to say about you? Nancy Neighbor’s opinion of me is none of my business. Nancy Neighbor may have nothing to do today but to find something to talk about. I promise you, she will have a new topic tomorrow and LIFE WILL GO ON.

A wise friend told me recently, “Ross, I deal with criticism daily. I have chosen to live by no one’s rules in this life but mine, and I AM FREE. The way I look at it, if they stop talking, I’ve fallen off the radar.” He later said to me, “And Ross...” (insert devilish grin) “I like being on the radar.”

Let’s give ‘em something to talk about! What do ya say!?

Feel free to add your comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, and maybe even your own personal story. Cheers!