Not everyone can empathize.
People who were born into money don’t know what it’s like to be poor. They can’t relate to someone who works two jobs just to put food on the table.
Most professional athletes never experienced what it’s like to be an uncoordinated teenager with big dreams. They could walk on air as soon as they stopped crawling, and they’ve been hitting homers or scoring touchdowns ever since.
Heck, people who have always been tall can’t relate to short people. How can they possibly empathize with someone who struggles to reach the cereal on top of the refrigerator?
But bloggers? Writers? Entrepreneurs?
They’re filled with empathy.
They remember what it was like starting out. They remember when crickets could be heard chirping whenever they published a new piece of content. They remember the times when they ached for someone to notice them.
They remember those days they were down, discouraged, and depressed ? the days they strongly considered throwing in the towel.
As a result, an overwhelming majority are happy and willing to help others who are scratching and clawing their way up the ranks.
That’s what Brian Clark did for Jon Morrow. It’s what Michael Hyatt did for Jeff Goins. It’s what Syed Balkhi, Darren Rowse, and Seth Godin have done for many others.
It’s one of the things I love about blogging.
Those successful influencers we admire from afar? They’ve been where we are, and they haven’t forgotten how it feels.
Years from now, when you are the successful influencer others look up to, hold tight to the memories of today.
Don’t forget the crickets. Don’t forget the aching. Don’t forget the discouragement.
Never lose your ability to empathize with those coming up behind you.
Creative Commons Image via EKG Technician Salary.
