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
I just recently made the same experience. When people get something they didn’t expect they are exponentially happier than when they get exactly what they expected.
To be specific, at work now and then I purposely deliver faster than I originally stated and the reactions are overly positive.
“Shakespeare said that expectation is the root of all heartache.” So true and I’ve fallen victim to it recently. I have been working on getting myself back up and remembering why I give my words to others instead of what I’m expecting to get from it. I don’t know what it is…perhaps the Universe has guided me to these words but your posts are really hitting home with me. I needed them. Thanks again. 🙂
Great post! Loving the blogs! Keep going!
Thanks for following me! I really like this post, because I still have trouble putting myself out there sometimes. That quote “be so good they can’t ignore you” really makes me realize that if I push myself to be a leader, others will have no choice but to notice me!
With that advice about giving and not expecting anything back, now I want to be the best person I can towards others. I keep expecting people around me to change, but you’re right, you can’t expect that of anyone.
Thank you for these inspirational words!
~THEsmallONE
In my own experience it wasn’t so much a case of “wanting to be THE best” rather always wanting to do MY best and excelling at that that gained me respect in my chosen field.
Yes, it helps that I’ve discovered I’m good at what I do and enjoy my work, but if I wasn’t being diligent and over delivering (especially on the seemingly small things) on what is asked of me then I wouldn’t keep getting asked back to freelance.
Becoming “so good that they can’t ignore you” is not a quick process but it feels incredibly rewarding once you arrive at that point.
Great thoughts. Just the other day when I was driving home I started reflecting and asked myself, “Why do I want to do something great? What is the fuel behind achievement?” It’s amazing how the roots can be traced back farther than we realize. I’ve been pondering this topic this week and digging deeper. I’ve been wondering recently how much of my passion and motivation is because doing great things makes me feel secure. Not that feeling secure is a negative thing at all, but I’ve been asking myself, “How much of my motivation is because being the BEST or doing something great fills an insecurity in me?” Still soul searching.
Ah! I only saw Amazon and iBooks. I will look for it.
I also agree 🙂
Thank you for following my blog and advanced future visits and like to my blog. Hope you’ll enjoy 🙂
I really liked what you said about expectations and others. I think expectation is best met when it is aimed at things we have control of ( like our own actions and attitudes).
wonderful, just what I needed. Love the Shakespeare quote.
You have incorporated some very powerful quotations from influential people. I could be wrong, but I never saw a quote from the “greatest man who ever lived.” You have focused your life on helping others, which truly touched my heart. I expected to see Acts 20:35, maybe Luke 6:31-36. What do you think about 1 Corinthians 8:1? Do you subscribe to the wisdom Jehovah gave to King Solomon? I noticed your caring heart and I was impressed by your positive outlook. You inspired me with your words and your actions. I see many Godly qualities in you. I hope to see and read more from your heart.
Respect is earned and you sound like your prepared to earn it. Go you! Hugs Paula xxxxx
Thank you for the awesome complement! And yes the book is on kobo!!!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I spent some time scoping you out and I really like what I see here. Honesty, authenticity, and positivity are at the core of my values as well, and it is GREAT to see I am not alone. Your project is a wonderful source of inspiration. I admit I want to read more, see more. I will be watching for a printed hard copy version, because I my e-reader is a Kobo.
Thanks for the follow! I’m really looking forward to looking over your blog as it’s a great concept.
-Alex
I found a quote last week that I now seem to carry around with everywhere I go: “sometimes I have to remind myself that I don’t have to do what everyone else is doing”. It’s so simple but it slaps me in the face every time I read it.