If you have ever heard even a second of an Eminem song (yes, I just said Eminem), you’ll likely hear him rap about overcoming what other people thought of him. In fact, I believe, that has been a common theme in his career. Everyone thought he would amount to nothing but he proved them all wrong, rapped his way through the criticism and rose to the top.
In some ways, the fact that everyone wanted him to fail is what drove him to actually succeed.
I’ll admit Eminem is an unusual comparison (and I’m not endorsing his music here) but you get the point. And, while I’m not from 8 Mile Road (although, I am actually from 1 Mile Road…true random fact), I certainly do understand what it is like to be faced with criticism from those who do not want you to succeed.
How do you end up in a situation like that? It happens when you start making decisions for yourself, the moment you start to think outside the box. When you decide that you will not be controlled or fit into the mold created by someone else, it is at that point others opinions of you may change.
Entrepreneurs by nature are creative and meant to be box breakers (see picture above). However, most of us worked for other people at one time or another before we realized we were truly entrepreneurs fueled by uncontrolled ambition and 1001 random ideas. We make good employees in that we are driven, we work hard but inevitably the day will come when we take that first step and decide to risk it all.
It is at that moment when, to everyone else, we look irresponsible and rebellious but in all actuality, we are simply creating. We are creating something that has never been done before (at least by us) and we are stepping into our true calling or in the direction of that calling whatever it might be.
Sometimes, people don’t like that. People don’t like their own security rocked, they don’t like it when you start to stand on your own two feet, some people in life want you to be who they want you to be and that is it. There are people who can live like that however, I am not one of those people.
And, I’m ok with that.
I have had to come to the place of realizing that there are people who do not want me to succeed. There are people who will follow every professional move I make and hope it fails. There are people who will whisper, send e-mails followed by dirty looks and hope my world comes crashing down just to make themselves feel better.
There are people who built a box for me and they still wish I was in it. However, I grew up. I realized I was not called to live in their box, God created something better for me and I made conscious decisions to break free.
Life is short and living with regret is not something I want to do. I take risks sometimes and I like it.
Some of you are facing people who do not want you to succeed whether that be in business, in school or just in life itself. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. However, it is up to you to become ok with that and do what you are called to do anyway.
I am going to make mistakes. I have made mistakes. That’s life and that’s ok. I would rather try and fail than to never try at all.
If you stand for something, even if it is only for yourself, you will have enemies. You will have those who would love to stand back and see you fail. But, it doesn’t matter. Those are the very people who will also see your success.
My husband says to me on a regular basis, “Trust God, make the right decisions for the right reasons and live with the results.” I like that. I agree with that.
Make sure your heart is right with God and make the best decisions you possibly can, and then it will not be difficult to live with the results no matter how many people disagree with you.
And, keep in mind, God’s got your back no matter what other people may think.
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord
Isaiah 54:17
Sarah Ann is an author, speaker and media personality committed to honesty, vulnerability and authenticity. She has a passion for empowering people who are willing to be honest and walk out life in Christ together. Sarah holds a Bachelors in Biblical Studies and a Masters in Theology and Apologetics, she also owns a clothing company, Ascent516.com and is the creator of SarahAnnSpeaks.com and the Sarah Ann Speaks Podcast. Sarah is featured daily on GEB TV.
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