One of these recent Fridays, I spent the better part of my evening, late into the night with some interesting and powerful people. One of them was a CEO of a well-known, growing organization, with a unique kind of business in the region. As we chatted through the evening, we discussed a little about the business and one thing he mentioned stuck with me the most. He told us how his closest friend, who by the way, was seated right next to him, was the first person to discourage him and tell him “are you crazy?” when he mentioned to him his new venture business idea.
Eight years down the line, the business has grown tremendously and is currently a discussion in many forums and a market leader in that industry. He is still setting the pace for other companies that are much older in the market. Glad to say, they’re still friends to date.
Affirmation
We are naturally social beings and we knowingly or unknowingly, rely on those around us for affirmation. Unfortunately, those around us have either of these two agendas; those who want to protect you and those that are competing against you. These might not necessarily be your best check when it comes to objective affirmation. (of course, there might be unique ones, but those are rare).
I know most of us have been in that situation; you knew you wanted to do something, and looked around for affirmation, but did the affirmation come? I can bet you, 90% did not. I once told a close friend of mine that I wanted to start writing, and her reaction was laughter and a comment that went something like “keep to your lane sister”.
Unfortunately, I listened to her and kept to my lane, until recently, after several years, I decided to give it a try. Yes, I’m not a journalist, a writer, or a communication specialist. I haven't published anything yet, but putting down my thoughts and sharing what I am learning, what I have learned, and what I have found to work, gives me contentment and a purpose. I still have some way to go, but I am glad to have believed in myself and started.
Someone said, “anything worth doing is worth doing badly” (at least until you learn how to do it better). Sometimes you need to believe in yourself first.
Believe in yourself, even when others don’t believe in you, until they start believing in you.
Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done. When you get tired, take a break, and don’t give up. Re-group, re-assess, replan and get back at it.
If you don’t believe in yourself, whom do you expect to believe in you?
