Who’s Going to Read All of That?

Intro:

I was out with this girl one time, and while waiting for her, I was doing some work on my phone. I was finishing up a social media post, writing one of those long captions where I wasn’t just filling space with some inspirational quote I found online. I was pouring my heart out. I was writing about my passion for health, an experience that shaped me, and a hardship I had overcome. It was the kind of writing that genuinely meant something to me.

She got into my car, glanced over at my phone with a look of disapproval, and said, “Who’s going to read all of that?”

You can see why I stopped talking to her, right? 

On the bright side, she unknowingly and ironically gave me the perfect introduction to an even longer piece of writing. This one.

Anyway, after I posted it, I received plenty of messages from people who had, in fact, read every single word of my caption. Some thanked me for sharing it. Others told me it was exactly what they needed to hear at that exact moment and that it inspired them.

Funny how that works.

Reflection:

I’ve always been extremely confident in being my authentic self. That doesn’t mean I’ve never experienced moments of doubt. Although that comment didn’t stop me, there have been other moments when uncertainty quietly crept in.

The opinions of friends, family, loved ones, and even complete strangers can have a surprising amount of influence over us. A single comment can cause us to dim our light before it ever has the chance to shine. It can make us question our mission, our purpose, our passion, our gifts, our creativity, and our self-expression until, if we’re not careful, we begin to lose sight of who we truly are.

How many ideas have died before they were ever shared because someone was afraid of what another person might think? How many dreams have been abandoned, not because they lacked potential, but because they simply lacked approval?

The takeaway from the moment I shared is this: the wrong audience will often try to discourage you from reaching for the right one.

And that’s the answer to her question.

She asked, “Who’s going to read all of that?”

My answer was simple.

“The right one.”

I never expected everyone to appreciate what I had to say, and I certainly never expected everyone to read it. I knew many people wouldn’t. But it wasn’t written for them.

I look at it like this: if something you say or do can positively influence, inspire, help, support, or even save just one person, then say it. Do it.

When we share ourselves with the world through our thoughts, our voice, our experiences, and our message, we give someone else permission to think differently, to feel understood, or to keep going.

Sure there may be some criticism, but so what? The greatest tragedy isn’t being criticized. It’s allowing criticism to silence the message someone else needs to hear.

The truth is, you may have the key that unlocks someone else’s prison. All you have to do is present it to them. 

That may sound bold, but I know it’s true because I’ve experienced it myself. I’ve been changed by words written by people who were gone long before I was even born.

That’s how powerful sharing your authentic self can be.

If you’re reading this right now, perhaps this message was meant for you. Perhaps you are the answer to her question.

Perhaps today was the day you needed to be reminded that who you are matters. Your life has meaning, your story has value, and that the world doesn’t need a watered-down version of you. It needs the real one.

Maybe today you’re the one being encouraged. Tomorrow, you may be the one doing the encouraging.

But that depends on whether you’re willing to share what only you can.

Someone out there is waiting to hear it…

Action:

Follow these steps:

1. Identify what you’ve been hiding
Think about something you’ve wanted to say, create, or pursue but haven’t because you were afraid of what others might think.

2. Ask yourself why
Whose opinion are you giving power over your life? Is it someone whose judgment should genuinely shape your decisions, or are you allowing the wrong audience to influence you?

3. Remember your “right one”
Instead of trying to reach everyone, picture one person who could genuinely benefit from your story, your experience, your encouragement, or your work.

4. Share something authentic
Post it. Say it. Write it. Create it. Have the conversation. Whatever it is, let it come from you rather than from who you think others want you to be.

5. Let go of the outcome
Some people will ignore it. Some will criticize it. Some will misunderstand it. That’s okay. It wasn’t meant for them.

6. Repeat the process
Authenticity is strengthened through repetition. The more often you choose courage over approval, the more natural it becomes.

Take the Next Step:

If you’re a man who wants to stop living according to other people’s expectations and start becoming the man you were created to be, consider applying to join The Intentional Man, an online community built around purpose, accountability, growth, and authentic living.

If you’re ready to take ownership of your health, fitness, and overall well-being, I also offer personalized coaching designed to help you build lasting habits, improve your health, and become the strongest version of yourself.