And why are you listening to that person?

I don’t keep score of my successes and failures, but when I look back at my life, I know I’ve had far more wins than losses.

The main reason for my track record is simple: I don’t listen to people who tell me what I want to do can’t be done.

When someone tells you your goals are impossible, the first question you should ask is:

Why is that person qualified to set your limitations?

Those who are quickest to tell you why something won’t work are usually the ones least qualified to do so. They’re the ones leading mediocre lives. They’re the ones who don’t take chances. And they have a short list of achievements.

Maybe they’ve tried once and failed, so they never try again. Whatever the reason, they’re usually pessimists who delight in seeing others fail and who are quick to say “I told you so” when something doesn’t work out for you.

The people we need to listen to are the ones who are least likely to be telling us how to live our lives because they’re busy living—and loving—their own. They’re busy being successful. And they don’t listen to people who want to see them fail.

Of course, we all need advice. We all can benefit from someone else’s experience and perspective. But listen to the people who want to help you succeed, not the ones who are trying to hold you back.

 

Jacquelyn Lynn
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