Who Do You Please?

I'm about to write the largest check of my life.

I've bought large houses. And expensive cars. And built my own gym. And Catarium. And an entire library for books.

I'm comfortable spending money.

But today I'm faced with spending more than ever before -- for a giant publicity event to help bring global attention to my forthcoming books.

Truth is, I'm nervous.

I'm nervous because I'm afraid of what people will think.

What if they don't like this PR stunt?

I was nervous when I released The Attractor Factor.

But it went on to become a #1 bestseller on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

I was nervous when I began to lose weight.

But now I'm 80 pounds lighter and considered the Charles Atlas of the Internet.

Despite all the successes I can draw on from my past to remind me that everything works out in the end, I'm still sweating.

Why?

I think it's because I want people to like me.

I remember hearing Rod Serling, the creator of The Twilight Zone TV series (who I met when I was a teenager), once say that he was as sensitive as anyone else to people's comments and criticisms.

I can relate.

Just a few days ago someone who I considered a friend wrote me a fiery email, so hateful that it shot chills up my spine.

He mis-read, mis-interpreted, and missed the point of one of my blog entries, and in a website mention in my recent newsletter, and he shot through the roof with anger. He wanted nothing to do with me ever again. He condemned me, my experience, and my education.

It was not pleasant.

And that was from a friend.

Then there are the emails I get from complete strangers who don't like one thing or another that I do.

Some liked me better fat. (It's true.)

Some liked me better with a beard. (I looked "hip.")

Some are blunt in telling me what they think, oblivious to how I may feel afterwards.

So here I sit, about to write a check that would make Donald Trump think twice, and I'm nervous.

But here's the lesson:

In order to be outrageously successful, you can't let yourself be affected by others.

You can hear what they say. Sometimes they have a point. But you can't let yourself be stopped by what they say. You have to have an iron will.

Yes, I still care what people think. But in my heart I know I am being true to me.

My mission is to help people go for and achieve their dreams. I'm doing everything I can do make that happen. If people complain about that, then they'll complain about anything.

Truth is, complaining is easy.

Creating is the challenge...and the joy.

I'm a creator.

And now I'm going to write that check.

Ao Akua,

Joe
www.mrfire.com

PS - Consider: What positive thing would you do if you weren't afraid of what people thought?

PPS - The above picture is of me and persuasion expert Kevin Hogan of www.kevinHogan.com We were hamming it up while my beautiful Nerissa www.thevideoqueen.com took pictures. We didn't care what people thought. It was a fun time with a good friend. Check him out. His books are excellent.