LAST WEEK'S BREAKTHROUGHS

In last week’s newsletter, I asked you to go do one thing worth being criticized for.

For our first reader, that thing is their future:

“Four months ago, my fiancé left me abruptly. I was devastated and he moved on very quickly into what was later revealed to be a toxic and abusive relationship that ended as quickly as it started.

About a month ago, we started talking again. Not back together; just being friends and being there for one another because the love is still there. He confessed to having chosen to not talk to me about problems in our relationship hoping they’d go away, and I realized I’d done the same thing. I thought that, because we never fought, we had the perfect relationship, but it turns out, that’s precisely what was killing it.

The thing is, I’ve been hiding our friendship from everybody since we started talking again. After what I went through after the breakup, my friends and family were very vocal about how much they now hate him (they never used to) and would be so disappointed in me if I ever took him back.

Our bond is getting stronger every day and we are starting to look at the potential of giving us another chance, but I’ve been hesitant because of the judgment and criticism I know I’m going to get. Now, though, I think this love and the future we could have may be the thing that’s worth the criticism for me.”

Our second reader finally named themselves:

“I am one of those people who do a lot of things and don't care if I'm criticized. However there was one thing I have held back on until just yesterday. My role was made redundant earlier in the year and when I tried to get a similar role I was told my two degrees and extensive experience made me 'over-qualified,' more than once. It was actually mentioned by one senior interviewer, for a very senior role where the dollars were at the high end of my field who said it outright, ‘I don't mean to sound rude, but isn't this all a little junior for you?’ I stopped the car and got out after that, it was time to re-evaluate and perhaps go in a different direction.

I realized it must be time to start my own thing, something I had hesitated on doing because I just didn't think I had enough experience to be my own boss in my field. So a few months ago, I started building the business quietly, registered the business, got the insurances, started building content in the background, blogs, articles, my website and more and it wasn't until yesterday that I finally decided it was time to change my LinkedIn profile to Founder. I have finally decided that I have built enough credibility around what I am doing and if I am this over-qualified for all the other jobs, then perhaps I am just the right amount of qualified to do it myself. So cheers goldilocks to being perfectly qualified!”

Finally, Joanie isn’t letting anyone stop her:

“Thank you for asking the question, ‘What’s the thing you’re not doing for fear of criticism?’ It inspired me to finally pursue what I’ve wanted to do for so long. I realized criticism can only hurt me if I let it.

I have always wanted to write but was afraid of criticism, which is funny because many have told me I’m a talented writer. I finally wrote a serious teaching book in a lighthearted style that gently introduces readers to learning while keeping it entertaining. I feel it reflects who I am as a teacher dedicated to helping my students find more happiness, and as a fellow human navigating the life I’ve been given—with all its trials, joys, and mistakes.

One of my teachers said that, because it was a short book, it might only be suitable for something like Substack. Substack is a fantastic platform, and of course I’d like to share my thoughts there as well, but I believe this book can be sold online and in stores to reach more people because it can help people learn how to find more happiness. That’s what I plan to do despite my teacher’s doubts about this fledgling writer.

I feel liberated that I finally took the step and rearranged my busy life to make time for writing. Thank you for inspiring me.”

As always, send your breakthroughs by simply replying to this email. Let me know if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.

Until next week,

Mark Manson

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author
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