I was reading from one of my favorite blogs today authored by Seth Godin. Seth has an uncanny way of describing something that hits at our core, and does so with very few words. For those of you that do not know Seth, here is a link to his blog.
What follows below is a copy of what he published today. Give it a quick read and I’ll hit on the topic I wanted to cover after.
“Just imagine how much you’d get done
…if you stopped actively sabotaging your own work.
We must be talented, powerful and resilient creatures indeed given how much we manage to produce despite the constant undercutting, ridicule and needless censorship we aim at ourselves.” Seth Godin
Okay, so I’ll readily admit that I have a standing beef with people that start every thought, discussion, or idea with a stream of the “why it will not work” thoughts. I’m sure you have seen the same. For whatever reason, some people just start with “how can we,” while others start with “here’s why we can’t.” As Seth mentions above, we can also direct this negative approach at our very selves. Imagine what we could get done, if we too were able to stop sabotaging our own work, or the work of those with whom we struggle in our professional lives.
Now, I know that a healthy level of cynicism can be helpful, and as a matter of fact it is wrong to not look at both sides of an issue. But seriously, why must people START with how to kill an idea first? What would happen to every creative effort, whether in business, art, or life in general, if we always started with “NO?”
When seeking funding the same perspectives become very apparent. It is really easy to tell who in the presentation sees themselves as an advocate vs. those who see themselves as an adversary. The advocate seeks ways to make your idea pop against a backdrop of tough obstacles that must be overcome. The adversary starts with thousands of ways it will not work, has been done before, or simply has no chance. I guess it does not take much effort to see which type of guy I’m going to align with.
I have a saying that I repeat on occasion that I’d like to share. “For every person that can show you how to build something, there are a thousand who can show you how to kill or destroy it.” In our personal and professional lives, let’s make an effort to be the ones who build or create. Let’s stand strong against the cascading “NO’s,” and let’s work like mad to push through. Because in the end, all of the no’s will suddenly become your best friends, each claiming they knew all along that everything was going to work out.
How do I know? The very same has happened to me. Love to hear your thoughts and constructive ways you guys have pressed on. Please do share.
