dont let criticism be a dream killer

There is no greater dream killer than criticism.

You spend hours and maybe days and possibly years dreaming of this thing you want to contribute to the world. Something you are sure the world needs. Or you've imagined a pursuit that will lead you to your best self. A self you picture you were created to be.

It has stirred and percolated in you. The big moment finally comes, and - drumroll please - you share the dream.

Then someone - who knows, maybe everyone - thinks your dream is nothing short of a disastrous idea. You're foolish, they might say. Or maybe they say nothing at all, which sometimes packs more punch than any name does.

All of this leads to the most disastrous idea of all.

It leads to you defending yourself instead of defending your dream. We forget that people often reject the dreams of others because people get comfortable living life the way it is. People aren't immediately receptive to change. Sometimes they never are.

There are also those who long to have THEIR dream be the change in the world but have never been bold enough to do what you are doing - sharing it. They don't see you as the inspiration their dream might need. They see you as a threat to it.

Most times criticism isn't an attack on you or your character at all. We forget that when our emotions soar and we fight back as if it is. As if our reputation or standing in the world is somehow at stake.

What we need to remember most - what we need to be asking ourselves in the earliest moments of criticism - is what will happen to the world or to you if your dream doesn't get a chance to come true?

You've imagined this better world - this better you - the world deserves a chance to receive it. Don't waste your time and focus fighting back against people who truly aren't fighting against you.

Use your energy to stand side by side with a dream that deserves a chance. Maybe it truly will turn out to be a bad idea. Give the dream a chance to tell you that - not the world.