Kaizan Blog

Do you have something that you’d really like to do but your fear of what others will say stops you from doing it? If so, you’re not alone. Our tribal heritage means that there is a strong motivation for not standing out from the crowd. Going against the group used to mean running the risk of being kicked out of the tribe. Not a great survival move.

Of course, this fear of doing things differently lives on today. Many people will stop themselves from pursuing new opportunities or chasing their dreams because of the fear of what friends, family or colleagues will say.

A friend of mine recently gave up a lucrative job as an accountant to follow his dream of becoming an executive business coach. Whichever way you look at it, this is a risky move. And as a result he has attracted a lot of criticism and even ridicule from his friends.

On the face of it, it looks like the criticism is intended to stop him from making a foolhardy career decision that could end in failure. But in fact his friends aren’t scared that he will fail. They are actually terrified that he will succeed!

Why? Because if he can leave his comfortable but unfulfilling job to achieve his dream, then why can’t they? Suddenly their excuses for staying in a rut don’t seem so believable. And what if, heaven forbid, he becomes even more successful than them?

And this brings up an important point. Most people are too preoccupied with their own lives to really care about what choices you make. On the other hand, when people do criticise you it’s because your actions are a threat to them. By pursuing your dream or achieving success you make them feel less worthy.

The second point to remember is that success in itself attracts criticism. It’s actually impossible to be successful and not invite disapproval. Even people who made lasting positive contributions to history like Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi and Einstein were attacked by their contemporaries at one time or another.

Criticism is common and over-rated. By doing anything that causes change (including becoming successful or chasing a dream), you will attract criticism mainly from people who fear that your success or aspirations will make them look bad. Don’t let this stop you from doing what you need to do.

Action Step

Think about areas in your life where fear of criticism is stopping you from taking action. Realise that the criticism you fear is a necessary part of succeeding. Then take action!