Have others ever treated you the same way? Have you ever encountered
that kind of fatal cynicism expressed by people in your village, be
they work colleagues, family members, or friends? Have you, whether
openly or by implication, been told that you did not matter and
never would? Have you ever been told that you should just give up
and live out your remaining days in miserable, meager gratitude?
Come on! Maybe it wasnt a direct assault on your self-esteem, but
more than likely you have had a similar experience. If you havent,
trust me, you will. Coming face to face withand overcomingdoubters
is one way to grow in life, and its what this chapter is all about.
Believe In Yourself When I decided motivational speaking was my
calling, I had little confidence I would succeed in the speaking arena
My English was very poor, I had few resources, financial or
otherwise, and I didnt know how to relate to American audiences.
Because I came from a different culture, I thought it would be hard
for me to make a connection with my listeners. The odds were
definitely against me, and I was afraid.
Not only did I have my own doubts; but also others tried to
discourage me. Some told me straight out that I was wasting my time.
Others were more polite; they didnt tell me with their words, but thei
attitudes spoke loud and clear. Even some of my friends werent
supportive.
One friend tried to discourage me by saying he thought I lacked the
education necessary to become a motivational speaker. You dont even
have a degree, he told me. My friend believed a degree would open
some closed doors for me.
Little did he know that I had my own Ph.D. I worked on it for years. M
thesis was on the stuff success is made of. My school was the
University of Hard Knocks. My Ph.D is P = persistence, H = Hope, and
D = dreams. With such a degree, I can kick open any closed door!
Receiving criticism or other negative input from colleagues or
acquaintances is one thing, but what about when the criticism comes
from someone you had expected to encourage and support you? Ouch! It
hurts! Doesnt it?
Receiving criticism from someone who we believed would support us is
when our belief in ourselves is most sorely tested. Sometimes there
will be no one else in the world to believe in you, or to give you
accolades; no one to have faith in your ability to exceed expectations
to accomplish something of great worth and importance.
