“Most people are not really free. They are confined by the niche in the world that they carve out for themselves. They limit themselves to fewer possibilities by the narrowness of their vision.” -V.S. Naipaul
Have you ever shared an idea or a plan with someone, only to have them tell you that it wouldn’t work?
Or maybe you were told that you were crazy or had no common sense.
I’ve had that experience many times over the years, usually when I’ve mentioned my writing.
I’ll usually hear things such as: “books don’t make any money” or “writers don’t make any money” or “you’ll never be as successful as…” Fill in a famous writer’s name.
I think there are two reasons for this. It could be because the feedback is reflecting my own fears of being a writer.
Or it could be that the people giving the feedback have compromised and set aside their own dreams.
When you have a strong desire for something the next step is to create a vision for what you want. You have to see it and want it so much that there is no settling for something less. You’ll also be less likely to be sidetracked by “well meaning” people who will share their opinion (whether you ask for it or not).
When we’re not really sure what we want we can end up conflicted and frustrated. Any opinion will seem better than our own, and we’ll be locked in an internal struggle between what we desire and what we think we should do.
While all this is going on, our dreams will fade into the background as we accept limitations and focus on more “practical” avenues.
Are you prepared to look back on a life of compromise and “what might have been?” Do want to live with the regret that accompanies missed chances? Stop listening to people who feel it’s their duty to tell you what you can’t do.
Some people will discourage you because they didn’t have the courage to step up themselves. Listen to them at your own risk.
It’s time to stop hiding in the shadows. It’s time to live out loud.
Copyright © 2010 – 2014 Deborah A. Bailey
Excerpted from Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life.
