Denzel Washington “ You will never be criticised by people that are doing more than you.”
I can’t tell you how true this statement is, whether I was a star athlete, motivational speaker or author, everyone has an opinion. I remember when I used to play basketball, there were the athletes, coaches, referees, people that took the score and recorded stats and then people in the stands. Coaches are busy coaching, players are playing, referees and people taking score in the game are facilitating the game. People in the stands are the loudest and most critical of the game.
On your journey, people are going to criticise you out of their own limitations and insecurities. They will even give you advice that has really nothing to do with you, but so that you don’t change their equilibrium. When you are starting out as a parent it is important that you connect with other people that have kids so that you know that all along your parent journey your kids are not the only kids that do the crazy things that you don’t understand. The same applies if you are starting your own business or writing a book. I know my book writing process wouldn’t have survived without the people that helped me along that journey.
You see coaches are the mentors in your life that will give the most helpful advice on your journey to go to a new level. They are completely effective in what they say because they excel in the area they are helping you with, whether it’s parenting, career, entrepreneurship or marriage, they are leaders in their fields. Referees are the people in your life that will call you out when you step out of bounds and will give you points when you score a basket. These are generally friends or coworkers that recognise your potential and will call you out if they feel that you’re living under it, but these people are people with integrity and they will not call you out on things that they are doing in their own life. People that are taking score and game information are people that you might not even notice, they are watching how your life is unfolding and will corroborate that you are how you say you are. These are people that see all of your accomplishments and are confirming them in moments of alignment, so please understand that whether you know it or not people are watching what you do. These people don’t necessarily give you any direct advice but they are the ones converting the information of your game to the people in the stands. Every point, rebound, assist, foul and turnover. So even though you’re not living your life to please people, remember to carry yourself with integrity and excellence being aware that who you are is being communicated to people in the community.
Spend some time by yourself and meditate, be honest with yourself about what you want. Your life is about you. You choose what team you want to play on and what position you want to train in. It’s okay to follow your own heart even if people disapprove. Any advice given has to resonate with your soul. Even though no one gets ahead without help along the way, you have to be picky with who you turn to for guidance, and let people in the stands enjoy the show of who you are becoming, but play your game and don’t get wrapped up in their reaction. You are here to win the game and come first place in the tournament of your life. You’re competing with yourself so have the right people around you and don’t settle.
Love you Guys xoxo
Michell
Michell Barker
Author: You Are Not the Only One
Podcast: Soul Charge
Nicely said ❤.