Why Haters Should = Joy!

How often have you been excited to pay top dollar to go to the concert of a best of the worse and worse of the best singer/entertainer in your community? Will you even go? Some of us may have even strongly consider if this singer is a family member! What is another term for best of the worse and worse of the best? Average. But I heard it said, people will stand in line for 8’s and 9’s (out of 10). People pay big bucks to go to see their favorite entertainer and go to top of the line amusement parks, restaurants and hotel establishments. At the same time, I can likely guarantee that entertainer, owners, dreamers whomever they may be, have faced negative criticism at some point in their career and pursuits. 

I believe everyone is given gifts, talents, strengths and have seeds of greatness within them. People who choose to be average all have seeds of greatness too! But unfortunately, sometimes these seeds may not have been nurtured. Instead, they can be choked out by weeds of society, neglect, distraction, lack of confidence, ignorance, self-unawareness, dream stealers and much more, and specifically by negative critics also commonly known as haters. I believe if I do not have to push through objection, rejection, and being ignored in pursuit of my goals, my goals and dreams may be too small. 

Remember that standing out may make you more visible to critics, but it makes you visible for great opportunities! There’s a psalm that states weeping may endure the night but joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5b). When we are going through trials and tribulations coming from haters when pursuing something great, let's remember to wake up and realize this may be because we are stretching ourselves beyond average. If we don't actively and knowingly cultivate our thoughts, others will (perhaps even unbeknownst to us but that’s a different topic). Some people may hate intentionally (explicitly) or unconsciously (implicitly). Having haters when striving for worthwhile pursuits can be an indication we are moving beyond average and onto great accomplishments. Let’s keep the proper perspective, surround ourselves with the right association, and continue to learn and grow. With this attitude and action, we can help create our own morning where we remain full of joy. 

 #Leadership & #Encouragement

By: L. Charleston IV, MD, MSc, FAHS ?2020