You simply can’t.
And if you agree with this or know this to be true then things get tricky!
It means you have to be visible. Which translates to you being a target.
Ever played paint ball? Or Dodge ball?
I have to admit, in both games, sometimes it feels easier to hide and dodge the bullet.
But life doesn’t grow that way and businesses don’t succeed that way.
My great friend, Larry Winget, tells an awesome story about early on in his speaking career a mentor took him aside and said look at this. See these 2,000 people standing for you and clapping? See how excited they are?
Remember there will be one jerk in the third row with his arms folded. 2,000 love you and one will not. Try as you may to see those 2,000 people, you are going to end up seeing that asshole on the third row. Just know that and then get over it.
We do that as humans. 100 thanks you’s is wiped out by one complaint.
50 good reviews are squashed by 2 bad reviews.
If you plan to be visible you will be a target. Here are my rules to get through it:
1) Realize the REWARD. It can hurt in the moment… that nasty email, comment about you, put down, or jab, but look at the lives you touch. The people you help. The difference you make. To help many you must piss off a few.
2) The Pillow Test. When I lay my head on my pillow at night I ask myself three questions.
Are you proud of what you did?
Did you do enough?
Did you make a difference?
If you can answer yes to those then the rest doesn’t matter.
3) People will forgive you for everything except being successful. It’s a fact my Dad told me when I was 17 years old and he is right. Everyone is trying to find their rainbow. Everyone is seeking their success and while not malicious it is hard for people to not do what it takes to get what they want and watch you get it. Just know this is a fact- it makes it all easier.
4) Pain is Real. So is Drive. I am much more driven by what I want than what someone else wants. I have a dream. I have a vision. I have a plan. I take a little pain. I can take a hit. I am driven to get what I want because if I get what I want I know you can get what you want.
5) I say this to myself – a lot!
Dear Haters,
I have so much more for you to be mad at.
Just be patient. I’m not done.
Love,
Suzanne
