The world bursts at the seams with people ready to tell you you're not good enough. On occasion, some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any job; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don't take it personally when they say 'no' - they may not be smart enough to say 'yes.'
Interpretation
This quote encourages individuals to pursue their goals despite criticism and rejection from others.
Keith Olbermann emphasizes that the world is filled with naysayers who may undermine your abilities. While some critiques might hold truth, it's important not to let others' doubts dictate your self-worth or deter you from pursuing your aspirations. Instead, you should actively seek opportunities, whether in employment, relationships, or personal achievements, and remember that rejection is not a reflection of your value, but rather a limitation in others' perspectives.
In practice
During a career workshop, one might quote this to inspire participants to apply for jobs they think they don't deserve.
What would you do, sir, if terrorists were killing 45,000 people every year in this country? Well, the current health care system, the insurance companies, and those who support them are doing just that. [...] Because they die individually because of disease and not disaster, [radio host] Neal Boortz and all those who ape him approve this. Forty five thousand a year in America. Remind me again, who are the terrorists?
Losing is a learning experience. It teaches you humility. It teaches you to work harder. It's also a powerful motivator.
You can’t always control circumstances. However, you can always control your attitude, approach, and response.
Every writing teacher I ever had except for one told me I was an awful writer, had no idea what I was doing, and should stop immediately. It only took the one to tell me something different to light a fire under me.
The only limitation is that which one sets up in one's own mind.
The special ops guys and the firefighters around the world have this great phrase. They say, 'Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast,' and that is true. Everything I've accomplished in my life has been because of that attitude.
People with high assurance in their capabilities approach difficult tasks as challenges to be mastered rather than as threats to be avoided.
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