Tom Leu "seeing things" … perspectives on music, marketing, & motivation

opposition confirms progress

When a car zooms by you while you’re out driving what often pops into your mind?  Maybe something like: “That person’s crazy – look at how fast they’re going - who do they think they are?”  On the other hand, the slow car gets the “what’s wrong with that guy – he’s hardly moving - what’s his problem - get out of my way” reaction right?  Why do we seem to get upset when things are moving either too fast or too slow for us?  Regardless of the speed, progress usually comes coupled with obstacles and opposition.

When you come up against opposition in life, there are often only two possible reasons for it: 1) You shouldn’t be doing what you’re doing or 2) You’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing.  I want to focus on the latter of these two scenarios.

Opposition often confirms progress because progress makes some people uncomfortable.  Another word for progress is change, and change is something that most people don’t like.  When others try to slow you down or discourage you from pursuing something otherwise positive, chances are you’re on the right track.  When something is moving forward or moving ahead, this fact immediately causes attention and focus to be placed on that which isn’t making as much progress (or standing still).  Certain people who try to slow us down with “good intentions” are really those who I call dream stealers.  Dream stealing often comes disguised as “good advice.”  Beware.  Distance yourself from dream stealers; those people who take energy & inspiration from you rather than give it to you. 

Just know that if you’re a motivated person who has ambitious goals and blazes trails that you will run into opposition, interference, and setbacks.  It’s not a possibility but a certainty.  But remember to use this opposition as confirmation that progress is being made.  History is full of accounts depicting people with good ideas, causes, and crusades that had to endure and overcome intense struggle and opposition before breaking through and eventually making an impact.  So keep the faith, stay the course, and surround yourself with winners who embrace change, endorse progress, and envision a better future.

“Be good and you will be lonesome.”  -Mark Twain

©2008 Tom Leu