Betty Brennan’s Post

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Owner of Bluestem Springs Farm/Land Steward

Making an Impact Means Accepting Criticism I’ve learned that making an impact in life or work is a double-edged sword. For every admirer inspired by your vision, there may be a critic ready to tear it down. Over the years, I’ve realized that both come with the territory of being in the arena. As a leader, I’ve worked hard to encourage others toward their goals and clarify that my choices—like working long hours or pursuing ambitious ideas—are my own. Some people understood and admired the passion behind those choices. Others, however, saw my actions as a threat or something to criticize, even when I actively supported their vision of success. This dynamic reminds me of Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote: “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly…” I’ve come to accept that striving for meaningful change will inevitably invite resistance. That resistance often has more to do with the person giving it than the one receiving it. But it’s a price worth paying to create something that matters. To anyone else trying to leave their mark: Stay in the arena. The critics may be loud, but they’re not the ones striving valiantly. What do you think? How do you handle criticism when you’re working to make a difference? #Leadership #Resilience #MakingAnImpact

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