So, who’s on your team? If you expect to escape that 9-to-5 Shawshank Redemption job you hate, you’d better start taking inventory of the people in your circle!
Remember, there are no neutral people in the life of a serious businessman or businesswoman. Everyone must contribute, assist, support, network, and bring something of value to the table.
I was lucky, I had people around me who nurtured and supported my dream, but I also lost people along the way. People I thought were true friends.
That is until I started talking about leaving my job and having all these big ideas about being somebody! All of a sudden, their energy shifted, and the attacks began.
One incident stands out in my mind to this very day. I was at a co-worker’s apartment with my buddies watching a Chicago Bulls game. My friend invited some ladies over to join us. During halftime, or at some point when there was a timeout, I began talking to the ladies about my book and my plans to leave my job.
They were completely immersed in the conversation and supportive of my plans to be a full-time writer. Suddenly, my friends jumped in telling jokes and laughing, saying, “You don’t know how to write a book! And besides, who in the hell is going to publish a book by an unknown author?”
I calmly got up, said goodbye, and walked out the door. As I got into my car and drove off, I was fuming. I knew then that I would never see those guys again. Maybe as co-workers, but not as friends.
And I kept my word. I’m telling you this story because if you are determined to live your dream you will have similar stories. Not everyone is meant to go on this journey with you. Have you heard the expression “For a season, for a reason, and for a lifetime”?
Well, that’s true! Don’t feel guilty if you have to move on without the people you started with. Understand that sometimes friends, acquaintances, employees, managers, and even spouses serve a specific purpose at that specific time in your life.
I know that may sound cold but that’s the way it is. Sometimes the test itself is to see whether or not you have the strength to let go. When we don’t have the confidence or conviction to move on because we’re too concerned about hurting someone’s feelings, then we become our own Dream Killers!
Excerpt from my book, Raise Your Hands If You Have issues.
