The Arena and The Critic.

Let me start by saying that I passionately dislike 'feel-good' quotes, so I am aware of the hypocrisy here!! I find most to be irrelevant and quite frankly a little hokey. That was until I came across this quote from the ex-president Teddy Roosevelt. It came to light when my wife suggested that I listen to a specific TEDx talk about changing behaviour. During the talk, the presenter mentioned that when she started her career as a motivational speaker this was something she often referred to when someone would deliver harsh criticism over her performance. Being new to the talk circuit she wasn't as polished as she is now but when we all start out on a new adventure who is?

After listening to the whole presentation, I have to admit I got intrigued so I Googled the phrase. Initially I was quite stunned as to who the author was, however, I read the full quote over and over again, letting the words truly sink in. Now, I am a big reflector, but it didn't take too long for meaning of the message to really hit home, which is actually quite profound. It spoke volumes, on many, many levels so I thought I’d share it.

• “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” President Teddy Roosevelt.

I hope this may inspire, give encouragement, help to dust yourself off when something didn’t turn out quite like you wanted or even give you the push to make that step forward that could change your life. If you're doing something, or going to do something, that's out of your comfort zone, don't let fear or self-doubt take over. Sometimes we all just need a little 'push' to make that first move.

And remember, if you don't succeed, in reality you already did. You may have done something that ordinarily you wouldn't normally do - so no-one (including you) has the right to criticise your actions as many wouldn't have the courage to take that step.