“It’s not the critic who counts, not the man who points out where the strongman stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the area, who’s face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs, comes up short again and again, because there’s no effort without err and shortcoming, but who actually strives to do the deeds, who knows great enthusiasms and great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best in the end knows the triumph of high achievement who at the worst if he fails while daring greatly, so that if he fails his place will never be with those cold and timid souls, who neither knew victory or defeat.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Why in the world would I do that when there are already a hundred (or more!) people out there doing that same thing?
That’s the answer excuse I hear most often when I ask people why don’t they try building something new. It’s as if we believe that because someone beat us to the punch, that we should abandon our dreams immediately.
I once heard my friend Keith Yackey share how he got into coaching & helping individuals build their careers from their passions. He talked about how someone getting into that industry might be deterred because they see Tony Robbins and think “Well, he’s already doing it so well, why would I ever want to get in?” We lose sight of the idea that Tony Robbins isn’t for everyone. What works for you doesn’t necessary work for me.
How many of you (show of hands!) have been to a conference? We sit and listen to speaker after speaker – and in most cases, they’re all sharing on the exact same subject. Yet, maybe one out of ten actually resonate with us. We can relate to their story, their struggle, and the message they’re sharing? We connect with it. This isn’t a knock on the other nine speakers – all were amazing, but we only could relate to one person’s special story.
The same applies to you.
Your unique journey – the challenges you’ve faced, the failures you’ve encountered, and the victories you’ve celebrated – are special to you. They make your story powerful – and allow you to tell it in an unique way that no one else can.
Do you know how many companies consider themselves a “lifestyle brand” when I started Compete Every Day? Thousands. Guess how many have been started since May 26, 2011? Thousands more. Just because other people had tried to tell their story in one way shouldn’t discourage me from putting my own spin on it.
Let’s compare notes to what you’re trying to do. Start a business? Reach the CrossFit Games? Make it professionally in your sport? Or just trying to start your first blog? Who cares what someone else has done. The fact they’ve done it successfully should only motivate you because it shows it can be done. Now you get the opportunity to share your unique perspective and stand out among the clutter.
It’s not the critic who counts. It’s the one willing to take action and step into the arena. Just because someone else has done what you want to doesn’t mean you cannot do the same – or even better.
It should motivate you to do it just as good or better.
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