I received this quote from a friend after a particularly difficult time. He frames it and presented it to me because he admired what I was accomplishing and the work and effort it required.

I hang it on my wall as a reminder that persistence is required. It is titled The Man In The Arena by President Theodore Roosevelt. Thanks Chris. Here it is.

“It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled; or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at his best, knows the end of triumph of high achievement; and who knows the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”
 
When I first started writing about different ideas and concepts, especially those documented in this book, I received all kinds of comments. Some of the comments were less than flattering; others we more supportive. It took me a long time to understand that I could let others control what I did (or did not do) if I took their negative comments and criticisms to heart or I could continue forward.

Just to be clear, I am not talking about people who offered constructive criticism, or made suggestions to improve the work. I am talking about the people who were angry and vocal that I would choose to write something they disagreed with. How I stole their dreams, and did not care about them. These types of anonymous notes and emails were, at first, discouraging.

 Then I heard a comment by Dan Kennedy that made sense. I am paraphrasing here. “Whatever you say will make someone angry. It doesn’t matter. Leave them alone and write for the people who want to hear what you have to say.”

I really subscribe to this quote from Calvin Coolidge.  
“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Be persistent. If you do not believe in your dreams who will.

Thoughts? Comments?