“No one believes in my dream, not even my partner.”
This is what one of my clients said to me.
Those words sent an arrow straight through my heart, because I’ve been there.
I know what it feels like to have NO ONE believe in your dream. Several years ago when I started my business (practically) no one believed in me.
Not my partner at the time…He thought it wasn’t a great idea and frankly wasn’t interested.
Not most of my family…They said, “Get a real job with benefits.”
Not my friends…They gave me blank stares when I talked about my vision.
Not even my business partner…This person said we wouldn’t be able to make a profit for years.
The few people who told me, “You can do it,” were drowned out by the voices of all the other people who said otherwise.
Literally, I felt the entire world was against me.
But anyone who knows me knows I’m pretty stubborn, so I did it anyway.
Now 5 years later, and a successful business under my belt I can say I know a thing or two about overcoming the people who doubt you.
So when my client shared this with me this is what I told her:
It’s Not Personal
I know this can be hard to really take in, but when someone doesn’t believe in what you’re doing it really isn’t personal. It has everything to do with them. They might have been told from a young age that they must do xyz to be successful. Anything outside this xyz box is a no–no and equals being a loser. This is all part of the stories they tell themselves to keep safe and when you get this you won’t take on their stuff.
Expand Your Circle
If no one believes in you it’s time to expand your circle of friends and colleagues. That means hanging out less (or not at all) with people who aren’t supportive. If that unsupportive person is a close relative or your partner you might have to set some firm boundaries and say that your dream is off limits. This isn’t about getting rid of people who don’t agree with your every word or idea. As a matter of fact, I think it’s important to have people around you that can give you constructive advice. However, most people find it hard to have a family member or intimate partner play that role because he/she might feelyour success reflects positively or negatively on them.
Do The Inner Work
When something shows up in your life it’s a clue as to what you need to heal within yourself. Maybe there’s a part of you that doesn’t believe in yourself. There’s no shame in that so get the support you need. There are great books/programs/coaches to help you stay focused and on track.
It’s YOUR Dream
Your dream was given to you for a reason. It’s a sacred contract and at the end of the day it isn’t about anyone else. Honor your dream… always.
Keep Going
If you walk away with anything walk away with this, “If you’re busy working onyour vision you don’t have time to think about what other people are saying.”
So ask yourself,
“What are procrastinating on?”
“What is your intuition telling you to do?”
Then get to work on those items.
My client started to implement these strategies along with exercises I gave her and it’s funny because now the people who didn’t support her are coming around.<
In only a few short months, she’s been nominated for an award, featured in a couple newspapers/magazines, and surpassed her goal for getting herdream project off the ground!
Not bad right?
Which goes to prove:
When you’re too busy realizing your dream you don’t have time to think about the people who don’t believe in you. Click To Tweet
// What was your ONE takeaway from this post? Share in the comments below. //
// Got a friend who could use some inspiration? Click on the social share links to share. //
Share Your Voice.