I was reading through Seth Godin’s latest blog post this morning and his message struck a chord that’s worth sharing. You can read his post here to read it in full.

The line that stopped me was this :

“The skeptic always finds a reason.”

Here’s why it struck me.

I have a strong belief about life. I believe the thoughts we choose determine what shows up in our lives. I believe that it’s my mission to teach people how take charge of their thoughts and get out of their own way. I believe in what I do.

Underneath my belief as to how life works, there is a mountain of scientific evidence. Data. Proof. Cutting edge results from the world of quantum physics. In fact, there are heaps of studies from all different fields that reach the same conclusion: Your thoughts create your reality. Own your thoughts and you own you life. Fail to do so and you get what you get.

I feel so strongly about my message that I want everyone to get it. I can talk about it for hours. I can explain it logically. I can offer up the evidence. I can debate with skill.

But here’s the thing…

The cold truth is that will all my evidence and all my skill, I’ve never converted a skeptic. Not a one.

No matter how many facts I produce, no matter how seamless my logic, whatever I offer the skeptic falls into the abyss. We end up right where we started. Why? Because once a mind is made up, it’s nearly impossible for you to change it.

The skeptic always finds a reason. Always.

So here’s my takeaway point. I notice that when I am writing something like this or creating a new program, part of me is still writing to the skeptic. As a result, a significant part of my energy is being siphoned away, trying to prove my point so that everyone will get it.

But now I can see (and feel) how much energy I waste in that approach.  Not everyone wants to get it.  Entertaining the skeptic weakens my message, dilutes my intention, and takes me out of my creative flow. Now that I am aware of my tendency, I am making the decision to no longer do this.

I believe every one has something creative and unique to offer the world — a message, a signal, a product, and idea. However, the reason most people do not fully express themselves is because we have one eye on the skeptic. We figure if what we have to offer will be questioned or rejected by somebody, then it must not be worth sharing. And that’s a mistake that keeps us small.

The skeptics are not going anywhere. They will always be out there.

Acknowledge their presence.

But do not waste a second of your life trying to move them.

Walk around.