YESS!! I recently heard this statement from Emmanuel Acho (author of Uncomfortable Conversation with a Black Man) in an interview for Stephen Covey’s “On Leadership” podcast. It resonated with me and is a great lesson for everyone to embrace!

We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and (hopefully, someday) a mission in life. Your mission is often called a “calling,” something you feel compelled to do during your lifetime.

Often when we are hit with the clarity of what to do in life, we excitedly share it with others. They may not be nearly as enthused as we are. It’s not their goal, their mission, or their calling. They don’t think it’s such a great idea and will tell you numerous reasons why your idea won’t work and/or be a colossal failure.

Don’t listen to them! There are hundreds of naysayers for every good idea.

Remember this:

• It’s easy to criticize the ideas of others. It is much easier than pursuing their own goals, in fact.
• They don’t feel the same commitment as you do. They aren’t in tune with God’s plan for you. Only you can tune into that.
• Your opinion of yourself and your capabilities is a far better indicator than the opinions of others.
• Lastly, your calling is not a conference call. You should be following your feelings, your intuition, or (as some would say) your gut.