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TODD HENRY

What Gives You The Right?

What gives you the right to…

  • do something new?
  • make something of value?
  • challenge existing methods?
  • ask difficult questions?
  • make art?
  • contribute to the conversation?
  • offer help?
  • be happy?

Anytime you try to create something of value, it will knock others back on their heels. Many who prefer to stay in their nice, cloistered place of comfort will look you square in the eyes and say “what gives YOU the right to…..?!?!?”

(Oh, they don’t really say it. They just ignore you, scoff at you, or make it really difficult to get anything done. Until you refuse to let them. Then they get vocal.)

If you’re not cautious, their words can begin to take root in your own mind and the next time you’re inspired to take a risk you’ll hear, “what gives you the right to…?” You’ll self-limit. You’ll seek permission to do something that’s off the beaten path. You’ll play it safe.

But you don’t need permission to be great. Those who are waiting in the queue certainly aren’t going to give it to you anyway.

So…what thing of value are you going to make today? (Because no one else is going to do it for you.)

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  • http://twitter.com/HolaMindy Mindy

    Gosh, isn’t that the truth! 

    One of the biggest surprises in moving to the East Coast from the Midwest was that nobody asks for permission – people just do what they want. My boss often says “I’d rather you act now and ask for forgiveness later.” It’s so counter to the “Minnesota Nice” culture that I grew up in, where people go out of their way to never upset or offend and ask permission for everything. It was a struggle to adjust but I find that I’m growing both in my confidence and in my opinions. I’ve especially learned to be okay with being the lone voice behind an idea (to the occasional chagrin of our sales team). The urge to keep quiet and hold the established line is strong, though. I think I’m going to stick “you don’t need permission to be great” on my computer…or maybe tattoo it on my wrist. Thanks for the this.

  • Wes Roberts

    Excellent!  Not only do you not need permission to be great…as one friend often says, “If you don’t do you…who will?”  Keep this up, Todd…….