Dreams, Plans, Goals and Critics



I read an article that came to my email this morning that is pretty impactful when it comes to moving forward in our dreams, plans and goals. The article addresses how we handle the haters and naysayers of where we’re trying to go.


I want to share that with you:





Critics Throw Mud, but Lose Ground


The first and great commandment about critics is: don’t let them scare you. No one can make you feel average without your permission. Charles Dodgson said, “If you limit your actions in life to things that nobody could possibly find fault with, you will not do much.” Nothing significant has ever been accomplished without controversy or criticism. 


When you allow other people’s words to stop you, they will. To succeed in life you must overcome the many efforts of others to pull you down. Don’t be afraid of what others say about you. Instead follow what Proverbs says, “Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety.” If you think more about what other people think of you, you’ll have more confidence in their opinion than you have in your own. Don’t let your life depend on the permission and opinion of others. 



Christopher Morley said, “The truth is, a critic is like a gong at a railroad crossing, clanging loudly and vainly as the train goes by.” Many great ideas have been lost because those who had them couldn’t stand the criticism and gave up. Know this: a critic is simply someone who finds fault without a search warrant. Critics not only expect the worst, but make the worst of what happens.


When you make your mark in life, you always attract erasers. Great minds discuss ideas, good minds discuss events, small minds discuss other people. You will never move up if you are continually running someone down. 


Remember this, if you are afraid of criticism, you will die doing nothing. If you want a place in the sun, you will have to expect some blisters and sand kicked in your face.



Criticism is a compliment when you know what you’re doing is right.


– John Mason, from the book Know Your Limits, Then Ignore Them





Living With Sword and Coffee,
Kela


Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net