All Who Matter Fit in a One Inch Square

You know, if you’re quiet and don’t call attention to yourself, the haters will truly leave you alone. But if you carry a heavy stick of passion for a cause, there’s invariably going to be the haters who want to drag you down.

As a leader, a coach, a mentor, and one who truly wants to inspire, I seriously don’t get this behavior. I operate in a position of building others up, holding them up, everyone winning together not because we all believe the same thing, but because we are all caring human beings doing the best we can in this thing called “life.” But alas I’ve figured out that it’s not mine to understand with why haters gonna hate. Seems so unnecessary but it’s life.

I just finished Brene Brown’s book Rising Strong. Let’s just start with that. If you’ve not read it/listened to it, do that NOW! Yet another amazing book from this powerhouse woman. I drink every word she says to the point I literally crave her wisdom in the mornings and look forward to my workouts. Yep, that’s the rule. The only time I can listen to my books on tape is during a workout. Don’t think for a second that doesn’t get this booty movin’ to the workout club! I literally can’t wait, so I can get a bit of wisdom from her and grow me, at the same time hopefully shrinking me! (Did you see what I did there?! I make me laugh!) Get the book NOW!

So, she spoke of the Square Squad. The concept of a 1” X 1” square and all the names of the people whose opinions matter can fit in that square. That’s it. Just that square and just those names.

Here’s what I know. There are always going to be people who are jealous, angry, haters, and insecure. You know that and I know that. I don’t like it, but it is what it is. I get so angry and hurt when someone, from whatever position of jealousy, insecurity, anger, or whatever other emotion, lashes out, especially when it’s in a public post to be hurtful and revengeful. It’s the craziest thing for me as I don’t understand people’s desire to not step up and have tough conversations, to come together and talk about the differences versus throwing out accusations and nonsense.

But enough of that lamenting! This exercise has been incredibly valuable for me. Think about it. Everyone whose opinion matters fits into a one-inch square. I love that! Keeps everything in perspective and keeps it real.

Haters gonna hate. It is what it is. But at the end of the day, I have my square inch of supporters and cheerleaders who are mine. All mine. Their honest, open, and authentic feedback will always come from a place of caring, and THAT’s all that I need.

Who’s in your square?