Turn Doubt into Determination

Turn Doubt into Determination

Imagine being told at 13 that your dream will never come true. That you don’t have what it takes. That you will never measure up.

?That’s exactly what Misty Copeland heard from the ballet elites who rejected her:

“You don’t have the body to be a ballerina. You have the wrong feet, Achilles tendons, and turnout for ballet.”

?It would have been easy to accept their words as truth and walk away. But for Misty, those words didn’t close a door—they lit a fire.

Today, she’s not just a ballerina. She’s the most recognized ballerina in the world and the first Black female principal dancer in the 75-year history of the American Ballet Theater. Misty didn’t just break barriers; she shattered them.

?“I knew I was born to dance,” she said, “and I trusted that knowing.”

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?Doubt is something we all face at some point. Whether it comes from others or from within, it can feel like a heavy weight on our dreams. But as Misty shows us, doubt is not the final word. The real power lies in how we choose to respond to it.

?Misty didn’t let rejection paralyze her. She focused on what she could do—train harder, build her strength, and lean into her love for dance. Instead of letting others’ opinions define her, she chose to define herself.

?To know deep down that you’re here for something, to trust that calling, and to let it guide you forward—that’s the lesson Misty’s story teaches us.

?Misty offers this personal advice:

???????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ??????’??, ???????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????? ????????????—?????? ??????????.

If you’re facing doubt or rejection today, here are three steps you can take to fuel your resolve:

?1. Track Your Progress - Start a daily or weekly log to document small wins and milestones. Seeing tangible evidence of your progress not only builds confidence but also keeps you focused on what’s within your control.

?2. Create a ‘Doubt-Fueled’ Plan - Write down the specific doubts others have expressed, then turn each into a clear, actionable goal. For example, if someone says, “You’ll never be good at public speaking,” schedule a presentation practice session, record yourself, and track your improvement over time. Address the doubt head-on with measurable actions.

?3. Build a Support Network - Identify 3–5 people who believe in you and your vision. Schedule regular check-ins with them to share your progress and gain encouragement. Their belief in you can strengthen your belief in yourself.

?Just like Misty, you were born for a purpose. The unique attributes and abilities you possess are not random—they are gifts, perfectly designed to help you succeed.

?Yes, there will always be doubters. People who try to cast shadows on your light.

?But remember this: ?????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ?????? ???????????? ??????.

??????? ???? ???? ???????? ???? ?????????? ?????? ??????????????.

?Your dreams matter. Your purpose matters. And no one, not even the loudest doubters, can take that from you.

?Take ownership of your journey. Every step you take—no matter how small—brings you closer to the life you’re meant to live.

?Refuse to let anyone’s doubt dim your light.



?

Dianne Bennett

Business Consultant I Leadership Coach I Whether it's the leader experience, the employee experience, or the customer experience - It's all the HUMAN EXPERIENCE.

3 个月

The heart always knows. I love how she trusted that knowing!! Powerful! So is the actionable advice you offer, especially #2. What a great way to quiet doubt with tangible evidence. I always learn something from your posts my friend!

Roben Graziadei, MA

Executive Coach/Author. I enable leaders to combine analytics with intuition to execute for net results. For 25+ years clients report exceptional and measurable top and bottom line results.

3 个月

What an inspiration Misty is. As I am in the retirement phase of my life I have been compelled to a certain calling that I keep doubting myself about. Thank you for sharing Misty’s story. It is such an encouragement. There are no accidents with God. The timing of your post is perfect.

Josefine Wanner

Teaching Established Coaches LinkedIn Strategy that WORKS | LinkedIn Breakthrough | Designed To Sell | Former UBS & Big4 turned Entrepreneur

3 个月

So many dreams are destroyed by reckless comments - love to hear Misty's story Jim Huling

Kwesi Johnson

I help others remove the mask and show to the world ?? the real, imperfect, flawed, unique, and beautiful person they are. | Dare to Be Genuine

3 个月

Love her story. She did not fit the mold yet she was determined to pursue her dream. I was just telling a group of leaders the other day that when we are in the whirlwind of the grind it is very hard to recognize our accomplishments so being able to track our progress or wins (no matter how small) will continue to propel us forward. Thanks for sharing Jim. As always you have provided me with some much needed inspiration!!

Monica M Smith

CEO and Founder, Tradewinds Career Consulting - Speaker | Consultant | Coach. I help leaders Re-ignite Teamwork?? and elevate Intercultural Leadership to unlock the full potential of their global teams.

3 个月

Such a beautiful and compelling inspiration for us to find OUR purpose, not fit into someone else’s. This is inspiring and training in one short post. Jim, how do you keep doing this simply and effectively? That’s right, your purpose, your talent and your sense of service to others are all aligned! ?? Let’s use this to keep our own alignment balanced. Thank you! And I will certainly share !

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