Had a person I know (in a moment of frustration and brutal honesty) say to me, “Marshall, I’ll never succeed. No one believes in me.” I was kind of stunned by his statement. But after a moment, I related to it. I’ve sunk that low before — when you feel like the whole world is pulling against you. But of course that isn’t true. The world is too busy to care about screwing you or anyone else over. It just seems like it. I said the only thing I could say to him.
“OK, I believe in you. Now, go succeed.”
While it seems like a sarcastic comment (I’ve been known to be a smart-alec), I was sincere. I do believe in him. I believe in just about everyone. Why? My friend has the talent. He has the means to succeed. He has the opportunity. All he lacked was faith.
I’ve been there. I was there when I was a janitor. I have been there off and on since I was made part-time. Thinking the world does not believe in your talent can cripple you. You have to get past that. Like I said, the world is too busy to care. Remember that your talent is a gift (read the Parable of the Talents for a refresher course.). It’s your own lack of belief that is keeping you back.
Trust me on this one.
So I do believe in my friend. I also believe in you. If that helps, run with it. The world, even as busy as it is, needs every successful person it can get.
Thank you Marshall. My family and I are struggling with a job-related issue right now and so many times in the past few months, you have been a blessing and an inspiration to me. Not only do you truly have an awesome, God-given talent, but your journal of your own struggles challenges others to keep on.