If it's alright with you, I would like to share a personal story rnfrom last week that has made a profound impact on me. I rnbelieve you'll find many valuable lessons in it too.
On Monday, I wrote a letter to the tribe declaring that rnselfcentered will be exclusively focused on teaching rnpurposeful entrepreneurs, visionaries, and students how rnto establish a deep and meaningful inner-connection while rnachieving new heightened levels of success and wealth in rnthe world. And just to give you some background, it took rnme over 16 months to get clear on exactly what we were rndoing and where we were going so it felt really good to rnfinally step forward and express this truth.
So I hit send and went on my way.
Almost as soon as I did that, I instantly received three rnemails from people who had a very negative reaction to my rnnote. They said things like: "Geez Max, you are sounding rnmore like Tony Robbins every day" and "This is the most rnpretentious letter I've ever received."
I immediately went into self-judgment and fear mode.
"OH NO! Did I make a terrible mistake? Did I say something rnwrong? Is this a bad direction?"
Then I got angry. "Who do these people think they are? rnHow dare they lash out at me! They just don't understand!"
Then I got worried. "I hope I didn't break the trust I've rnbuilt up with the tribe. I never intended to irritate anyone. rnI wonder if everything is going to be OK?"
In just fifteen minutes, I experienced a roller-coaster of rndifferent emotions. To cope with this energetic wave, I sat rndown and meditated. Then I read back through the note. rnAnd then I called one of my mentors
Alexis Martin Neely.
Alexis is an amazing woman who I love deeply and respect rndearly. I don't know a single person out there right now who rnis taking bigger steps forward to live her truth and make a rnhuge impact on the world. I would strongly suggest signingrnup for hew newsletter and listening to her words. She is a rnwise and powerful woman!
So I explained to her what happened and she said something rnthat shocked me:
"Max, there are some people out there who hate me. In fact, rnI would go so far as to say that they are out to get me. But rnthere are also many people out there who absolutely love me. rnThey would do anything to support me. So despite the fact rnthat I too want everyone to like me, the reality is that we live rnin a world of dichotomy. The more you step into your power, rnthe more others will project their stories onto you, whether rnthey be good or bad. When you can accept that, you will bernin a much better position to make a huge impact on the world."
WOW! The more I sat with her words, the more I realized rnthat she was right. If you attempt to please everyone then you rnwill not inspire anyone. It's only when you harness the courage rnto step up and take a stand for what you truly believe in that rnpeople will follow you. Some might not like where you're going rnand that's OK. Others will hear your words like beautiful music rnand join you for the ride.
I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
In closing, I want to just come out and say it: "I do want you rnto like me. In fact, I want everyone to like me." But I'm also rnat the place where I'm not willing to dance around my truth rnanymore to hopefully keep people from judging me. It's rntiresome, frustrating, and most important, ineffective to therncause. I'm not going to do it anymore and you shouldn't rneither!
So if my words, energy, and direction don't resonate with you rnany longer, I ask that you please unsubscribe from our list right rnnow. But if you dig where we're going, then stay engaged and rnread every note. The projects we have in the works are rnabsolutely revolutionary and will blow you away.
As always,
your comments are welcomed and appreciated.
rnMuch love,
Max SimonrnFounder & CEO (Chief Enlightenment Officer)
www.getselfcentered.com
PS: The
Leadership Retreat SOLD OUT within the first day of my rnlast email so I'm sorry to say that you'll have to wait until the next rnone in August if you wanted to attend (or you can get on the waitingrnlist). That said, there are still a few seats left for the next
Out of Your rnMind Immersion on April 17-19 in LA. That event is going to be rnamazing!! Enroll now to reserve your spot before it sells out again.
PPS: We'll be hosting the LARGEST PUBLIC DISPLAY OFrnMEDITATION THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN next Saturday in rnLA.
Click here for details. Come out and join us - it's going to be wild.