How many people showed up? Don’t worry about it. You wasn’t there. That was harsh wasn’t it? I’m sorry. Well a little but sorry.

So let’s just go on and get this out of the way. For those that may not know me, I’m a motivational speaker, blogger, and author. I often attend events as a speaker and/or vendor. And I host events throughout the year. I absolutely love what I do but there is a drawback to it just like anything else.

There is always someone on the sideline taking score. After an event, when I see someone and the first question out their mouth is “how many people showed up,” they are taking score. Real talk.

Now they probably didn’t mean it that way but that’s the way it registers in my head. And I usually pause before I respond because I’m trying to make sure I say the right thing in case they were really curious about who showed up.

So let me help us out in case I’m not the only one this happens to. Next time ask something like this: “How was the conference” or “How was it, did you have fun,” or “Sorry I missed it, when is the next one so I can attend,” or even “Did you enjoy yourself,” and I’m ok with “Were your expectations met.” ANYTHING other than “How many people showed up.”

I’m sorry if this is a candid message. Felt like I needed to say this especially after my last blog about teaching people how to treat you. No, that question isn’t disrespectful or anything like that. I just feel some kind of way with someone not working their purpose, crowd checking my mines.

You see, let’s me be honest, most of us don’t follow our dreams or we give up on them out of fear of what people may say. We all go through a series of emotions. What if they don’t like my idea? What if nobody shows up? What if nobody likes the video or it only gets 20 views? What if I don’t make a lot of money, or don’t earn my investment back, or I actually lose money? What will everyone think of me?

You see all of that…those fears hinder so many of us from making progress. It stops our feet from moving. So you see, since it is already hard enough for me to keep the faith and to keep taking steps. Step after step after step. Losing money…step after step. Feeling insignificant…step after step. Stressed…step then another step. So many emotions and so many times wanting to stop but I keep going.

After conquering all of that and when I see you, you ask me how many people show up!!! Oooooooooooowwweeeeeee my skin boils! You just slapped me in my face! You don’t know what it took for me to get there and then WHAP!

SMH. I’m just being honest. This journey I’m on is hard. Any journey will be. I get down sometimes. Can you spare me another jab by simply asking, “How did your event go? Good, keep it up.” That’s all I need. A reaffirming word to help me take another step.

And this wasn’t just for me. Anyone going after their dreams, know that it’s a rough journey. It takes a lot to keep going. So to utter, “only 10 people showed up” when they were expecting a packed house, is devastating to some to admit. If I’m expecting one result and I get lesser than, it hurts but I’m determined to will myself to take another step despite the disappointment. Not all of us are created equally.

Thanks for your attention. Remember you are your own competition.

Competitionof1