Anyone who has read Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon will remember Kate; brilliant, relentless, and dangerously ambitious. Her hunger for power consumed everything in its path, including her own son.
Tony, gifted with extraordinary artistic talent, dreamed of building a life through his paintings. But Kate wanted him in the family empire. On the very day meant to launch Tony’s career, she bought the loyalty of the one voice that could validate his future; a revered art critic. Instead of acclaim, the critic publicly destroyed Tony’s work.
That single moment shattered him.
Tony abandoned his gift, lost faith in himself, and suffered a mental collapse that permanently dimmed his brilliance.
The story is fiction, yes, but its truth echoes loudly in real life.
Reflection
It’s easy to dismiss negativity from obvious enemies. What cuts deepest are the blows we never anticipated; the criticism that comes from trusted voices. Parents. Teachers. Mentors. Spiritual leaders. Industry authorities.
These are the people whose opinions carry weight. The ones we expect to protect us, guide us, and believe in us.
And because we revere them, we often mistake their ridicule for truth.
So we shrink.
We silence ourselves.
We abandon dreams.
We live smaller lives – half-versions of who we were created to be.
Yet here is the truth we must reclaim:
If a passion burns inside you, it is not accidental.
If a dream keeps calling your name, it is not random.
You were entrusted with it on purpose.
The Real Danger
Distractions rarely arrive as threats.
They come disguised as advice.
As concern.
As authority-backed opinions meant to “protect” and “guide” you.
But not every voice deserves access to your future.
It is key to always remember that greatness is often challenged not by enemies, but by familiar and respected faces. These are the unanticipated blows – the ones that aim not just to wound, but to redirect your destiny.
Walk Your Path Anyway
Walk your path even when your knees shake.
Walk it when the voices around you are louder than the one within.
Continue walking even when the world tries to fold your dreams into something more convenient, more acceptable, or more familiar.
You are not here to live a life designed by other people’s opinions.
You are here to become. And becoming demands courage.
It requires refusing to hand your destiny to those who cannot see what you see. It calls for resilience when doubt slips into your heart, thick skin when the jabs come, and commitment when you stumble and must begin again.
Today’s Challenge
Identify one voice; past or present, that caused you to doubt your calling.
Ask yourself honestly:
Was that voice aligned with my purpose… or with their own fears and expectations?
Today, choose to revoke its authority.
What You Can Do (A Practical Reset)
- Audit your influences: Be intentional about whose opinions you allow to shape your decisions.
- Return to the evidence: Revisit moments when your gift worked, when it brought life, impact, or joy.
- Protect your passion: Treat your dream as sacred—something to be nurtured, not exposed to careless handling.
- Respond with progress: Let growth, not arguments, be your reply.
Affirmations
- My calling is valid, even when misunderstood.
- I do not surrender my destiny to unqualified opinions.
- I honor the fire within me and walk boldly in my purpose.
Call to Action
One day, the same voices that tried to silence or belittle you will marvel at the strength you showed by refusing to bend. Until then, let your progress speak. Let your persistence be your shield. Let your growth be undeniable evidence that their words were never the measure of your worth.
Protect your passion.
Nurture your gift.
Honor the fire inside you.
And when life delivers unanticipated blows; rise higher.
Not to prove them wrong, but to prove yourself right.
Walk your path anyway.
Mildred Mutize
Coach / Author / Speaker
