Headwinds

When you’re on a mission to change the world, you’re going to hit some headwinds. Below is a transcript from a conversation I had with a client last week about how they’re dealing with headwinds, and how they can use them…

Right now, I feel like my wings have been clipped. For the past six months or so, my conviction has given me flight, and I’ve felt like I’ve taken off and am soaring higher and higher, believing I can fly anywhere…

Then I hit some quite serious headwinds, in the form of other people’s views or assertions about what I’m doing, and I start to tumble, a bit lost.

That sounds painful. And, it’s part of the change-maker’s journey.

The latest in the past week has been advice from several people that I need to tone down what I’m talking about, and my purpose, because it’s ‘a bit weird’ and ‘overwhelming’, and I just need to focus on my ‘technical’ expertise.

When you’re doing stuff that’s trying to change the world, you’re going to hit headwinds that show up in the form of naysayers and critics. People who are happy with the status quo, or are just envious of what you’re doing.

Phew, how do you keep pursuing your conviction when others in the mainstream don’t get it and when enthusiasm, conviction, confidence and belief in the need for change come across as too much?

You’re making waves, and that makes some people uncomfortable. People who know you for who you’ve been are especially likely to see this newer, upgraded version of you as a bit strange.

The trick is not to take your cues from them. Perhaps you’re subconsciously seeking approval from  others in some way that you don’t need to? 

Jim Rohn said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Make sure you invest your time in people that hold you up, champion you, show that they believe you. They are the ones who will help you stay in a good headspace.

That said, fruitcakes are good for you.  Outliers like that are gold. They can teach you something. Inspiration often comes from the margins, not from the mainstream. How can you use their feedback to make your stuff even better, even if you disagree with what they’re saying?

Thank you. Surely there’s a way to make these headwinds a positive? Real change is hard and it’s not for the faint-hearted. Knowing the headwinds will come, the strength of your conviction and connections will play a role in whether they knock you off track.

What headwinds do you commonly face when you’re trying to make change happen?

How do you work with them?

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