People who do great things place their beliefs and convictions higher than their desire to be liked by people. They take a stand for something they believe in regardless of the negative reactions they get.
Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, and Henry Ford (photo credit: wikimedia)
When someone is obsessively worried about people liking them, it keeps them from challenging the status quo, leading a life of significance, and thinking and deciding for themselves.
I’ll be honest, I want people to like me. Too often this desire influences my thinking more than I would like it to.
I also want to do something great and significant with my life. I have realized if I place my desire for others to like me in front of what I believe in my heart I should do, I’m destined for average.
“The person who won’t stand for something will fall for anything.” Lila Wescott Ziglar
People who placed their beliefs and convictions over their desire for people to like them and changed the course of history:
1. Martin Luther King, Jr. – King believed there could be a world where everyone was treated fairly and with dignity. His stood strong for this belief in the face of extreme opposition.
2. Abraham Lincoln – Despite being seen as inadequate and inept by many in the country, Lincoln led the country through the crisis of the American Civil War and preserved the Union while ending slavery.
3. Mahatma Gandhi – Gandhi took a stand and with nonviolent disobedience and led India to independence. This inspired movements for freedom and civil rights around the world.
4. Henry Ford – Ford’s own engineers, some of the best in the world, repeatedly told him a V8 engine was scientifically impossible. Ford insisted they keep trying and made automotive history when the first V8 engine was produced.
5. Martin Luther – Luther was a German monk, priest, and professor. He took a stand for what he believed and nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to a church door. This resulted in him being excommunicated and condemned as an outlaw. This stand greatly influenced the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Western civilization.
Go ahead, take a stand today and change the course of history!
Would you add anyone to this list of people who took a stand?
You are absolutely right Michael and I admit I have struggled with that all my life! But I have learned that no matter how you try to make people like you – someone will always have a problem with you! So you might as well just be who God created you to be – say what you really think and go from there. Those who don’t like you probably shouldn’t be in your life anyway! It used to bother me when someone would unsubscribe from my newsletter – but I realized if it was not a good fit for them it wasn’t a good fit for me either so we are better off apart!
Ann, great point! We are going to be most effective when we’re operating out of who we’re created to be. For sure!
It’s been a struggle for me too at times when a client turns me down because there is something about my service they don’t like. However, I remind myself my service is not for everyone and the more specific I am in what I offer, the more I’ll resonate with my target market.
Absolutely! But I have to admit that’s been a struggle for me.
The business world is full of folks who had to fight against initial reactions – the business case for Fed Ex received an “F” from the college professor it was submitted to. I am starting to think that is how you know you are on the right track – when you get some resistance.
That’s an great example, Tom! Sometimes I do let my own fears interfere with stepping out, and doing something big; however, if someone else tells me I can’t do something I see that as a challenge, and will do everything I can to do what I was told I couldn’t do.
Ryan,
Perhaps if you turn it around on yourself “Ryan, you can’t do that” then maybe your brain will have the same reaction it does when others tell you that you can’t do something. You will want to prove yourself wrong 😉
I’m super late to getting around to answering this, but you may be right. I’d never thought of that. 🙂 Hope you guys are doing awesome!
Hhaaaa it is funny you bring this up Tom. I was just listening to a Seth Godin podcast yesterday and he was talking yet again about the power and freedom that comes from doing the things you fear. yup, yup!
I think we’re both big Godin fans – have you checked out his newest ones? I think he just released three or something crazy like that.
Tom,
I missed this comment!
Yes, I am a big Seth Godin fan! I am reading “The Icarus Deception” right now and it is AWESOME. I totally relate to and am challenged by his approach! And yes, he did put out 3 books. “V is for Vulnerable”, “The Icarus Deception” and The Behemoth “This Might Work” which I am so sad I missed the opportunity to get! Did you get one?
There was just a world wide meeting last month hosted in hundreds of cities and another one is coming up this month… I would like to go…
Great examples. I want to be a person who takes a stand for the good. John Maxwell took a stand to teach leadership around the world by starting Equip.
Dan,
I haven’t heard of Equip is it something John Maxwell recently started?
He started Equip in 1996 so it’s been around for a while. Here is their story http://www.iequip.org/our-story/
Dan,
Wow! Thanks for the link. Looks incredible! I’ve heard John Maxwell on multiple Success CD’s but haven’t read his books yet.
I know you are passionate about leadership as well and are doing a wonderful job encouraging others to be great leaders! You are indeed taking a stand for good. Blessings as you continue to encourage so many!
Your welcome. I encourage you to read one of his books this year. I know you would enjoy and benefit from it.
Thank you for the complement:) I appreciate it.
Thanks Dan,
I will take that advice and put it on my to do list!
Hey, Jesus wasn’t very popular either was he? He was the essence of walking in your convictions regardless of the naysayers, doubters and critics. Seems like the more convicted you are, the harsher the treatment sometimes, but also greater the reward. I’ve pondered Jesus saying that if they didn’t like Him they won’t like his disciples either, that they would be persecuted. I don’t recall ever being persecuted. Makes me how how “convicted” I am sometimes. Thanks for the thought provoking post.