This little post was inspired by the following video, showing a debate on the merits of self-improvement books between Mark Victor Hansen (Mr. Chicken Soup for the Soul) and some other dufus that I won’t bother naming here because he doesn’t deserve the honor. So for the moment, we’ll just call him Mr. Poo-Poo.
To understand what I felt when I watched the video, please take a moment to check it out yourself, as it’s just one of those things that will make you slap your forehead and wonder just how idiotic, illogical, and negative some people in this life can be….but at least Hansen takes him to the cleaners. 
Light vs Dark
On one side of the debate, you have Mr. Poo-Poo, who actually wrote a book explaining how the self-help industry has hurt the personal/emotional development of people around the globe. The guy actually insinuates the stuff is like a drug and that people keep going back to it over and over again without seeing any results.
On the other side, you have Mark Victor Hansen, one of the top self-help/personal development authors and speakers of the last 10 years or so. Obviously, Mark has read the thousands upon thousands of letters he has received from people around the globe whose life he has changed through his inspiring words and material.
But the fact that someone could actually have the audacity to debate the merits of maybe the most influential movement (personal development) of the 20th century (and beyond) just goes to show that EVERY inspired idea, concept, and thought will have its doubters. It’s just the way the world works, and it’s all a part of this awesome thing we call life.
The Audacity of the Naysayer
About 8 years ago, I had just started my swimming pool company. One night, I ran into a lady who was twice my age that I had known for quite some time. We started conversing and soon had the following dialogue:
Lady: Marcus, I hear you’ve started a pool company.
Me: Yes, that’s true, I’m pretty excited about it.
Lady: I’m surprised to hear that, considering you’re an intelligent young man, sure sounds like you’re wasting your potential. Besides, pools are a luxury item, and it’s a bad business to get into.
Me: (stunned by her stinking audacity) Well I guess we’ll see.
Needless to say, I’ve never forgotten this little conversation. At the time, it was like a hard kick to the gut. In fact, the lady really made me quite mad.
Forget ‘em
Unfortunately, inspiration always has its counterpart. Every day, millions of great ideas around the globe are confronted with naysayers and doubters looking to rain on someone’s parade. I’m sure you’ve seen this before. You get really excited about a new idea or goal and then all the sudden you share it with someone who instead of slapping you on the shoulders and saying , ‘Go get’em’, instead gives you a stupid look and proceeds to tell you why ‘it’ won’t work.
Well, if there is anything that life has taught me over the years it’s this:
Forget the naysayers. Dismiss the poo-pooers. Introduce them to your negative friends and let them go their un-merry way. Life is too full of inspiration to get hung up on these people and their unrewarding search for relevance.
Those persons that learn to identify and follow their individual revelations, and then proceed with vigor without looking to the left or the right, will be the one who end up finding the most happiness in the long run.
Trust YOU
So just remember this the next time you feel inspired. Whether you want to start a new business, change a bad habit, or take a trip to Africa—trust your gut. Believe in yourself and your abilities to be lead to the place where you can reach your greatest potential.
Am I going to be a pool guy forever? No, of course not, but it sure has provided me with a great lifestyle and one that many don’t experience before the age of 30.
But now, after having learned so much these past 9 years of owning a small business I’ve transformed myself into a completely different person, all of which is a result of electing to listen to my gut when others said I was wasting my potential.
Listen. Trust. And don’t look back.
Questions? Comments? As always, your thoughts are invited and appreciated.
