07/23/2025
"The pessimist criticizes, the optimist creates."
- James Clear
It’s easy to judge and criticize from our couches and recliners.
It’s easy to point out what other people are doing wrong.
It’s easy to complain, rant, and rave.
It’s easy to be a pessimist.
Years ago, I made up a rule for myself.
I’m not allowed to judge, criticize, or complain unless I am fully committed to solving the problem myself or filling that role myself.
For example…
I’m not allowed to criticize a referee because I’m not willing to take on that role and that pressure.
I’m not allowed to criticize how a system works because I’m not willing to break it down and recreate that system.
Instead, I run my own race and create what I can.
Imagine if we focused as much attention on creating and building what we want to see in the world as we do on criticizing and tearing down.
😍This world would be an amazing place.
It’s hard work to be an optimist.
It’s hard work to create.
It’s hard work to get off the couch.
Criticizing doesn’t change things. It's low level energy.
Creating DOES. It's high level energy.
If you see something you don’t like, don’t criticize.
DO something about it.
Be the change you want to see.
