Small people squash dreams

I recently read this quote via the site Becoming Minimalist ;

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.” — Mark Twain.

It got me thinking about a conversation I had with a friend about 3 weeks ago. I was explaining the 0 SPF course we were setting up – Talking about TrailsRoc – And talking about how we are trying to do things to help the Rochester running community and trying to be unique at the same time.

He said “You are good at taking things and repackaging them in a way that will be so much better – You are always coming with these amazing fresh ideas”

Then the kicker – – He said

“You are kind of like Steve Jobs.”

Pause… Laugh… Naaawwwww. Steve Jobs? One of the most successful men in the history of this country? An innovator? A rich rich man at the time of his death?

Me?

Then I read that Mark Twain quote… and more so than being thankful to be surrounded by friends who say things like that I was thankful for the revelation that.. ya know… he doesn’t have to be wrong.

I might never be Steve Jobs. I am also 100% OK with that. Yet just surrounding myself with people who believe in the projects I believe in is a great way to live life.

Everywhere you go in life – there will be naysayers. Everything you do in life – someone will find fault in. The only thing you can do about it is choose to be you. Choose to avoid those folks – pay them no mind – They have no impact on your success unless you allow them to.

Surround yourself with people who believe in you – And in turn, support and believe those who choose to surround themselves with you.

Dream big – believe in yourself – believe in your friends.