Chapter 19. Beware of Other People’s Opinions
alternative to make it better. Here’s why it won’t work, and here are the other possibilities to get the results you’re looking for.” Consider the Source Let me give you an example. You could get advice from someone who has never experienced what you’re trying to achieve. If you have a loved one or family member who has never done any- thing except work a 9-5 job (and who is probably afraid to take chances in life), they’re likely to have a limited and structured way of thinking. This person’s optimal level of success may be working for a big company and retiring at age sixty-five. Remember, per- ception is reality. Is that the kind of person you want to get advice from for start- ing your own business? Of course not. The person is going to tell you you’re nuts and that you need to get a job and work more hours. I had a certain family member who always told me I was crazy when I used to say I was going to be self-employed when I got older, make a ton of money, and make a difference in the world. He would ask me how, and I would say that I wasn’t sure but that I was going to do it. I was about ten years old the first time I said that. Each time he told me I was crazy, I used to get upset. He would say, “Dean, you’re always reaching for the stars. Sometimes you need to just realize what your limits are and be happy with what you have.” I used his jabs to motivate me. Now don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy what I have, but I love striving and accomplishing more. While he’s sitting on the couch, I’m changing my life and the lives of others. In life, there are those who make things happen, those who watch what happens, and those who ask, “What happened?” Make a commitment to stand out from the crowd and go for it no matter what people say. This does not mean you have to judge anyone in a negative way. In fact, in my life it has become the com- plete opposite. When someone expresses to me their limited belief
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