In 1855 P.T. Barnum was attracting a world-wide name for himself. He turned a dying dime museum of New York City into the thriving Barnum’s American Museum, the Disneyland of the day. He wrote his autobiography and saw it become a bestseller. He created General Tom Thumb and entertained royalty with him. But not everyone loved Barnum’s success. In 1855 someone wrote an article titled, “How to Kill Off Barnum”. Here it is:
As you can see, the strategy of the unknown writer was to cut off Barnum’s success by keeping him out of the newspapers. The ironic thing is, the article appeared on the front page of a newspaper. Here it is:
Obviously, this “strategy” was poorly thought out. Not only did it assist Barnum in remaining and maybe becoming even more famous, but the young showman went on to become one of the wealthiest and most well known people in the world. The writer of the article, however, remains completely unknown.
I find this relevant today. Too many people are criticizing others who are achieving success. Instead of focusing on their own goals, they spend their time and energy writing negative posts and reviews. They don’t seem to see that (a) their work isn’t stopping anyone and (2) their work is a distraction from their own calling.
Reading Will Bowen’s new book, Complaint Free Relationships, is helpful. Listening to Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art is also enlightening. Both show that complaining about others is a way to avoid doing your own work.
P.T. Barnum said, “We cannot all see alike, but we can all do good.”
Do something good today.
Ao Akua,
PS — My book on P.T. Barnum is There’s A Customer Born Every Minute. It’s at Amazon, in book stores, etc.
12 Comments
Why bother writing a post criticizing the critics, especially if you imply that it will simply aid in your success?
Interesting question. I never thought for a second that my post was a complaint. It was actually about an article from 1855 and I used it to give a lesson on doing good. Thank you for getting me to think about it.
Blessings
joe
Hi Dr. Vitale,
I still have copies of your books sitting here on my desk, among them “There’s A Customer Born Every Minute” and Hypnotic Writing.
Your critics will come and go, and only increase your popularity. But no one will remember their names.
However, your name will always be remembered.
Regards,
Ernest O’Dell
I am too busy to improve myself to think to criticeze others.
I am a lazy man and I think the energy you burn in critics 🙂 it is better for you to use it in a more efficient manner: to reach your goals…
Blessings
Saver
http://isegretibancari.blogspot.com
Joe,
thanks for the reminder!
It seems to me that when we attract detractors as well as fans it’s a good sign that we’re reaching a wide audience. It probably means that we’re doing something right.
On the other hand, if those close to us start to become detractors, it’s time to think very carefully about whether we are on the right track or have the wrong people close to us – It’s probably one or the other!
Thanks for a great post!
Andy
http://binauraljourneys.com
Greetings Brother Joe,
Please see: http://twitter.com/Amenamen
Help Us spread His Living Word…
And Thanks SO Much… <
I don’t think Joe is criticizing the critics. Just giving them advice to help them make better use of their time. Great post Joe!
Hi Joe,
This looks like an interesting article but it’s so small I can’t read it. can you post a larger version?
Dear Mr Joe Vatale………I purchased your Zero Limits Programme of 6 DVDs with Dr Hew Len which I am enjoying emensely……on one of the DVDs you talk about “The Book of Est” …….I want to know how and where I can buy a copy of this book please…….I have been looking on .mrfire.com,, but so far have not located it……
I would be most grateful if you could let me know……….Thanks so much………..Noeline
see http://www.thebookofest.com
But what if the critics are trying to warn people against scam artists and con men?
Doesn’t that qualify as a worthwhile use of one’s time?
Be the wizard, beware of wizards.