“Perhaps everybody has something to say about you. But the most important thing is what YOU say about you.” –Gina Parris
If there’s one thing we learn from the world of sports, it’s that opinions run wild. Athletes and teams are under public scrutiny and judgment. One day a well-loved UFC fighter told me that he would lose sleep over criticism from strangers on MMA forums. My answer: Stay away from MMA forums!
Good grief, the guy has a wall full of title belts, millions of fans, and no need to get upset about criticism from strangers.
And yet, sometimes words get under our skin.
It doesn’t matter if you are a world-class fighter, a little leaguer or not an athlete at all. The more you live life out loud, the more you can draw criticism.
Maybe you just grew up with critical parents who never said anything good about you, and you’ve chosen to play small for the pain of it.
Stop!
It’s true that other people’s words can influence our self-concept. However, once we are aware of it, we can choose our own story.
Make up your mind that you don’t care what anyone says about you. I used to love watching Barry Bonds chuckle at the fans that came out to boo him. With his million-dollar smile he told a reporter, “You can love me or you can hate me, but the fact is, this place is full because of me!”
Ha! That’s what I’m talking about.
I’ll close with the words from the Twitter profile of Stefphon Jefferson, who just signed with the Tennessee Titans,
“I am what God says I am! And he says I’m blessed. Follow me!”
Indeed.
Now, go play. I’m in your corner!
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