As you embark on your personal journey to success – whether succeeding as a parent or spouse, or succeeding financially or in business, or even in how much you can contribute to society – some people will be jealous. Sure, you’ve probably heard this before, but I know it’s important for us to take a deeper look today.

Jealousy rears its ugly head against you and me – for our entire lives. And, guess what? It will continue to come up against us, for the rest of our lives!

Whenever you decide to do something unique, different or meaningful… when you decide the status quo is just not for you… whenever you decide you don’t want a mediocre family, an average marriage, a “normal” lifestyle, some people will hate you for that!

But you have to understand, it has nothing to do with you. It has everything to do with them.

This reminds me of a story I once heard. If you have a bucketful of crabs, one always tries to get out… climbing and reaching for the top. And you’ll never guess what happens – the other crabs in the bucket actually pull him back down!

You may have people in your life who try to pull you down, as you reach for a great marriage or successful business, or a promotion at work or even to annihilate your debt. No matter what you may try to do, there will always be those “crabby” people who will try to pull you back down to their “reality.”

Here’s an example from my own life: I recently made up my mind about food and GMOs (genetically-modified organisms), along with the crazy, horrible chemicals being put into our food supply – which actually cause terrible diseases. The more I learn about it, the more upset I get! So, I have made some major changes in my everyday life. I’ve always fed my family healthy, fresh food. We don’t do cans or pre-packaged anything. But when I decided to totally go all-in on eating GMO-free, totally organic food, I’ve been ridiculed.

Right now, you could be in a similar situation. Maybe you decided to start a garden, so you can grow your own organic food. You’ve decided to go gluten-free, GMO-free, totally healthy for you and your family. You’ve made the decision to avoid going in the unhealthy, disease-filled direction most people blindly follow.

When you make a decision to go against-the-grain, just know there will be people who will not understand what you’re doing. They will misjudge, criticize and be jealous of you. But that is not on you! That’s their problem.

So as you embark on this brand new journey to success, it will provoke jealousy and judgment from others. But it is so worth it! Because even if you decide not to do something special or unique or different, there will still be people who misjudge you and are jealous of you! That’s just part of life.

Don’t you dare let somebody else’s jealousy stop you from going after what is in your heart to do! Don’t use their judgment as a reason to shrink back or quit. Those people have been put in your life, to strengthen your resolve and push you closer to your destiny.

You and I are people who are not supposed to shrink back. You belong to an entire community of people who have made decisions to do something different, be authentic, be set apart, go after their dreams. So even when you are being judged and criticized, please know you are not alone!

My friend, you were designed to be unique and authentic, designed to achieve your goals… whether that means living a healthy lifestyle, having a successful marriage, giving millions of dollars to help people in need, making millions of dollars or taking luxurious vacations. So press onward and stand firm in your decision!

I have to tell you, I have seen so many people crippled by the fear of other’s judgment and jealousy. Don’t let that be you – or anyone else you know! We’ve got to stop that in its tracks! And we can start by simply sharing this letter with our friends, family and coworkers. I’m doing what I can to spread this message. And you can, too… just forward this letter, or post this link on Facebook and Twitter. Won’t you help me? And then let me know below what battle you’re currently fighting. Together, you and I CAN make a difference!

Then remember to join us today for The Dani Johnson Show, to gain more insights for your everyday life. You can find the show on your TV and radio or stream today’s show, right here on our website.

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In great faith,

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