“Man in the Arena” and How it Relates to Life & Business
Or "woman in the arena," rather, in my case.
I feel compelled to share a personal note today, inspired by something my husband pointed out to me. We were talking through a recent situation, and he brought up a famous speech by Theodore Roosevelt and how it related to the experience I was having. It got me thinking about how it applies to life in general and most definitely to business, especially for those of us building something of our own.
Today I want to zero in on one quote from that speech. But I'd encourage you to read the full text when you have a few minutes; I've linked it below.
Sorbonne, Paris: April 23, 1910
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
-Theodore Roosevelt
Criticism Is Part of the Territory
In today's world, criticism is constant. Whether it comes from anonymous keyboard warriors online or from people you work with every day. Everyone has an opinion. As a small business owner, you will hear plenty of them.
Confession: I struggle with people-pleasing. I have to work hard not to take things personally. All while also holding firm boundaries around my time, my energy, and my work.
Here's the truth: you will encounter situations where someone thinks there is a "better" way of doing things, and sometimes that better way truly exists. But at the end of the day, if you are in the arena and doing the work, that means something. Putting yourself out there as a business owner is hard for a lot of us. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences, and those experiences shape how we show up, create, and lead.
Failure Is Where Character Is Built
In my experience, doing the work — even when you fall short — is where true character is tested and built. Failure comes with a lesson attached. I've told my own children more than once: some of life's greatest lessons come from failure. Don't let it define you, and don't let it discourage you. If you're doing the work and giving your best effort, that is something to be proud of, regardless of the outcome.
I feel this in my own business too, and in my broader experience navigating the business world. So I'll leave you with a few of my favorite sayings — and what they mean to me in business and in life.
"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."
Does that mean you should stop trying to lead the horse to water? No. Keep putting in the effort, and eventually you'll cross paths with a horse who's ready to drink.
“No good deed goes unpunished.” -Clare Boothe Luce
Does this mean you should stop doing the good you're called to do? Absolutely not. If we all stopped helping each other, this would be a much sadder world. But do realize that along with doing the good deed can come unsolicited opinions and criticism. Keep doing!
“You can’t please everyone.”
And that's okay. As I've written before in You’re Not for Everyone—And That Goes Both Ways in Business & Life. Keep showing up, keep doing the work, and they will find you. Cheering you on from afar.
If you're in the arena right now and doing the work, I see you. I know how vulnerable that can feel. Putting your name and your work out into the world takes real courage, and can be a daunting process at times.
This is exactly why I love what I do. Whether you're starting from scratch or ready to reintroduce yourself with a brand and website that actually reflect who you are, I'd love to partner with you on bringing your “arena” to life.
