March 20

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The Courage to Be Disliked

If you have a few minutes and want a good laugh, read the one-star reviews on some Amazon items.

Even better, find the really popular items and check out the one-star reviews.

Even better still, find the truly abysmal items (like "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation," the hands-down worst movie on the planet...not even "ha ha" bad...more like "physically hurts to watch" bad).

It goes to show, you really can't please everyone. There's no getting around it.

Show me ice cream that's healthy, cures diarrhea, and makes you fly, and I'll show you someone who hates the box it comes in.

So, does that mean we shouldn't make the miracle ice cream?

There is a freedom in finding the courage to be disliked. To welcome it. Music is the perfect place to practice. Out of an audience of 200, not everyone is going to love you. And that's okay.

The problem is, so many of us are so scared of possible dislike and criticism, we end up hiding. We don't do the new and interesting things we want to do. The things that could change the world.

So, let's flip the dislike perception and turn it into a badge of honor.

Look at the figures who did some of the greatest things in history. For every major innovator, there were at least some people who hated that person's guts.

In fact, let's celebrate the dislike! Take that one-star review, frame it, and put it on your wall. It means you're doing something right.

If at least a few people don't like you, it's a sign you're not trying hard enough.

Have the courage to be disliked, and you can create something amazing...like miracle ice cream.

And we all know how much the world needs miracle ice cream.

Never miss a blog post!

For parents, students, and anyone else who believes that music can and should be a meaningful part of everyone's life.

About Jonathan Roberts

I am the founder and director of the South Shore Piano School, and I have been teaching the piano for nearly 20 years. My work centers around bringing music to the lives of kids, parents, and adults in an enriching, meaningful way. At the South Shore Piano School, my incredible colleagues and I accomplish this through skill-based teaching, community, and an innovative, people-first business model. You can read more about me here.


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