In life, we have an admirable tendency to conform, to seek harmony, and to build consensus. This is commendable, as we certainly don't want to intentionally cause conflict and wreak havoc. However, excellence carries with it the apparently inescapable reality of polarization. Whatever you are "for," others will be "against." In fact, the more you take a stand, the more you'll be opposed.
This explains why strong leaders and dominant viewpoints meet such opposition. George Washington was ridiculed abroad and the victim of passive aggressive politics and slander at home. The very fact that Abraham Lincoln was elected President was the spark that ignited the poweder keg of the Civil War. Today, Barack Obama is both passionately admired and vehemently hated. And closer to home for me, my good friend and often co-author Orrin Woodward has some of the strongest followers and at the same time, some of the most vicious enemies. Again, this is the natural result of taking a strong stand, being passionately committed to your purpose, and seeking aggressively after excellence.
Remember: Excellence polarizes.
If you are going to pursue your passion and calling in life with excellence, with gusto, with the full force of your gifts and determination, realize that you will be harshly opposed. It's just how things work. In fact, the most dominant of personalities are able to not only understand this as the lay of the land, but look for it as a sign that they are on the right track. If nobody is against them, it's a sure bet that there really won't be anyone who is much for them, either.
You should never seek to be intentionally offensive or disharmonious, but on the other hand, never hold back your gifts in an attempt to assuage your critics. They will be your critics no matter how much you pander to them. So don't pander to them in any way. Learn from their opposing viewpoint only to the extent that it makes you think through your position better, develop your understanding more clearly, and make your contribution that much more focused and correct.
Never conform to please the critics, instead, perform to thrill your fans.
Sincerely,
Chris Brady
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