“Be realistic”, “Don’t set yourself up for disappointment”, “Grow up and get a real job”.

There will always be doubters when you set yourself on the road less travelled. If you succeed in stepping out of the ‘realistic’ route then you’ll cast a light on the limitations of others. This light can be painful. So the small try to keep you down, to avoid self-examination, to avoid the truth that perhaps they were not as trapped as their stories have told them. And if they were not as trapped they’ve squandered a lot of time. Again that is painful.

Have you ever witnessed a group of smokers, many of whom express earnest desires to quit themselves, tempting, torturing, and trying to undermine one of their number who’s given up the pack? If someone else succeeds in quitting what does it reveal of their own stories? It may cast an uncomfortable light on the reasons and excuses given for failure. Better to confirm their own story in others than have to face reality in themselves.

Don’t be realistic. Don’t listen to nay-sayers and doubters. Don’t ignore the thoughtful, the critical, the challenging but do ignore those who’s intention is simply to hold you back. Instead see their discomfort as confirmation that you’re doing the right thing.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” – Mark Twain