If you want to do bold things
If you want to do bold things
You must overcome resistance from well-meaning people
People who do bold things are often admired from afar but doubted and discouraged up close. Friends and relatives give every reason for them to reconsider:
It's too risky. What if you fail? You're too young and idealistic. You care too much. What have they done for you? Think of your future. The list goes on.
When you make bold moves, you may be seen as reckless and extreme.
Learn some new skills, and people will praise you. Seek a career change to exercise those skills, and they will question your judgment or dedication.
Start a side business, and people will congratulate you. Leave your job to pursue it full-time, and they will throw stats at you about businesses failing.
Go on a two-week medical mission trip, and people will support you. Commit to long-term missions in a developing country, and they will call you crazy.
Do a little charity or advocacy work, and people will applaud you. Go beyond what is rational in their minds - making personal sacrifices, speaking out boldly, being "too passionate" - and they will try to quench your fire. They will urge you to chill out, to find balance, to rest knowing you've done enough. Indeed, many people like telling others what to do with their time and money.
One author donated all the royalties from his bestselling book to fight human trafficking. He was passionate about the cause and wanted to make a difference. So he was shocked and dismayed by the response of those around him. They said that he was foolish and irresponsible. That he should think of his children and their future. That he should save up in case of an emergency.
His response: "Is an emergency only an emergency if it affects me and my immediate family?"
If you want to do bold things, you too will meet resistance - perhaps from unexpected sources. Well-meaning people will advise you to choose the safer route. They will pressure you to conform to the average. To work an 8-5 job and stay in your lane. To save money and buy nice things or travel the world. To enjoy a life of comfort.
But life is about more than comfort. It’s certainly about more than immediate gratification. Important goals take time and resources, hard work and sacrifice. What you do won’t make sense to everyone - and that's okay.
Listen to your convictions. Live with intentionality. Boldly pursue what matters to you.