The True Short Inspirational Stories that I write about me are all about me following my heart and my not listening to what others think about me. I seemed to have learned everything the hard way because I found out what other people think is based on their experiences not mine. When I jumped from one thing to another, which I often did, they would say something to the effect of: “Why try that, after all, they wouldn’t do it, their sister didn’t do it, their uncle tried it and failed and so YOU shouldn’t try it either!” They will often look at the glass as half empty because what they have tried didn’t work out for them. So it won’t work out for you either. They will put you down in an effort to justify their own fears and doubts that have held them back. That doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. It only means it didn’t work for them. Fear, doubt, and worry are often negated by hard work, dedication, and persistence. Planning is really important, though! The better you plan, the better your chances of success.
If you read my resume on the Home Page of my Blog, you will see that I have never listened to anyone in shaping the direction of my life. I have never started any new venture with the blessing of friends and family, let alone strangers. It was always, “That won’t work,” or, “There is too much competition,” or, “90% of new businesses fail,” or, “Nobody wants to buy the product or service you want to sell.” If you wait for praise, support, empathy, and a helping hand from others it won’t be there until you succeed. When you succeed, everyone will be bragging about how you couldn’t have done it without their help! If for some reason it doesn’t work out, here comes the “I told you so!”
I had an Uncle who was always saying, “If only I did [this or that], I would have had a great life and I would have lots of money.” Well, if you put coulda, shoulda, and woulda in one hand and a quarter in the other hand, you still couldn’t buy a doughnut! I would rather try something and it not work out than live my life like my uncle. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! You can learn from what you try if it doesn’t work out. The only failure you will ever have in life is from not attempting something. When your children, friends, nieces and nephews want your opinions on careers don’t look at the glass as half empty. Encourage them to “Give it that good ol’ college try!” Tell them “trying” is better than “not trying” and the worst that can happen is it may not work. Tell them they will at least learn from it and become stronger in the process. Tell them “Don’t listen to the naysayers.” Tell them to “Follow your heart!”
As for me, I Am Sooo Blessed!
Roy Lee Barrett
Click to go to the next True Story, “His Head and the Coca-Cola Bottle”
Roy Lee Unchained 