Creating something new is hard.
Can I protect myself from those telling me it can’t be done? It hurts when they point out, rightly or wrongly, that I don’t have what it takes to see it through, that the obstacles are too great, that my skills, my plan, or my temperament is not up to the job.
And how do I defend myself when I agree with the critics or when I’m the toughest critic of all?
If I listen too closely, I might give up. If I don’t listen at all, I might miss what is important.
So how should I thread the line?
Here’s the formula that works for me whether I’m leading a business team or writing a book:
Conviction – belief in a vision and the passion required to get it done.
Plus
Humility – If I start by knowing I can’t know everything, that mistakes are guaranteed and other perspectives are essential, if I ask why the criticism is there, and what might be missing in the work, then my feelings forget to be hurt and the work gets better.
I’m grateful for the help – even when it hurts.
Everyone can reach for something better, and every criticism, idea, and note – questioned instead of defended against – gets closer to the goal.
Keep chasing lights.
