Alright, let’s face it — if you are creative or think outside-the-box or just want to push the envelope, you will almost always experience resistance. Now that could mean lack of support, perspective, encouragement or a blend of it.
I find that incredibly stupid, given that it took you ages just to muster courage to take that damn step! And now you’ve got the whole world against you? Who gave them the right to judge you? Nobody. Yet, they would take the liberty to do just that.
I’ve had my share of “no, you cant’s” when I was growing up.
No, I can’t become a lawyer/pursue journalism/become a cricketer/be successful/lead a team/a leader/grow within my organisation/a successful training professional/a successful coach and perhaps, a hundred others. And boy, it was painful. I used to go into a trance for days sulking in my own miseries and luck.
It was depressing, though I’m lucky to not have gotten clinically depressed. Or perhaps, I would have if I hadn’t read M. Scott Peck’s seminal book, The Road Less Traveled. Here’s what the first page reads:
Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.
That single quote changed the way I began to look at my life. Of course, I went to read the whole book and the following books in the series. But I wouldn’t have made it myself. And gosh, had it not for those experiences, I would have never found my true vocation, which is to teach and coach people. That’s my little way to make a big impact in other people’s lives and perhaps, leave a legacy.
I leave you today with these words and a video by Casey Neistat. He and I think alike, at least in this video. Believe me, it’ll be the best 3 minutes and change you would have spent the whole day.
Thanks Casey for inspiring the millions out there to do what they can’t.