I had an interesting talk with Watson today. What made the conversation interesting is a discussion about the quote above. “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” I know a lot of people hate on quotography, but for me, when I see the words, I apply it to my life. A long time ago I had a pitching coach tell me that I am my own best coach. I believe that is true. So when I hear people say things or listen to people’s advice, I pick the best pieces and apply them to my own beliefs. But in getting back to the point…the quote, really means something to me.

You have to want to be the best. But more importantly, you have to believe that you will be the best. You have to want to be so good at something that it is impossible for people to ignore that you are in fact, incredible at what you do. But this conversation led to another, which was about gaining respect vs. expectation. And this is the root of what I want to talk about today because it links into the quote above.

Shakespeare said that expectation is the root of all heartache. Very true. I think that if you expect people to be a certain way or do things as you want them to be done, you will be let down. I think you should want to be surprised by people. Delighted. Always think the best of them…but don’t expect anybody to be something or do something. Likewise, it is great to act without expectation. To give, give, give and not expect to get something back. Eventually, as the world works, what you project out will be attracted to you.

Naturally, this conversation came full circle and landed back at the topic of respect. And I think this is what Steve was talking about. You may not be liked as a person, but if you are the best at what you do, and you do it damn well, you are respected. My purpose in life is to go out and project a message that is honest, authentic, and positive – and eventually, I want to be among the greats who have done that same thing. Never demanding people’s respect without earning it…always gaining people’s respect through blood, sweat, and tears. That is how I am going to go about it.

Evan Sanders
The Better Man Project