The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur

March 31Seeking Opinion

I have written freely from my own mind as I find it now formed; but how it has been so formed, or whence I have borrowed, my readers know as well as I. All that is valuable in the thoughts set forth, it is safe to assume has been appropriated from others. Where I have been distinctly conscious of borrowing what has not become common property, I have given credit, or, at least, mentioned the author's name, with three important exceptions which I wish to note more formally.

Orestes Brownson—The American Republic (1865)

Imagine how many artists, writers, and yes, entrepreneurs, fail to follow their hearts because of what others might say, how they might be judged, and even ridiculed.

Oh, and don't worry—you won't need to ask for others' opinions; they'll freely offer them.

But here's the hard part: it's natural to seek the advice of those who appear more successful or who seem to have arrived where you want to go. They may indeed have useful advice, but they aren't you.

Their path worked for them, and that's the only thing that's true.

Seeking and heeding the opinions of others is lazy, and it's an escape hatch—it allows you to put the brakes on your own dream because someone said it was right or wrong or hard or foolish. Believing that is easier than the alternative.

Today, witness your thoughts about opinions offered by others. You don't need to determine whether you agree or disagree, if you approve or disapprove. Simply reflect—is it true for you ...