*photo via the NY Daily News
Fresh off his historic 3-night run christening the Barclays Center, the new home of the Brooklyn Nets, Jay-Z took a moment to address the crowd and bless them with a little inspiration.
Much has been said about Mr. Carter’s involvement with the Nets. While he’s definitely one of the most well-known owners of the team, many have criticized his stake in the franchise, claiming it’s too tiny to warrant the press he receives.
If you ask me, owning one fifteenth of a NBA team is something most people will never do in a lifetime and his contribution to the Nets franchise—upping the cool factor, which means more money for everyone involved—has been immeasurable.
But because Hov is a rapper, and rappers are known to speak their mind, he had a few words for his critics.
Jay-Z told the crowd:
We still got a long way to go because everybody wanna diminish your accomplishment. When I look at the paper and I see them talking, ‘Ehh.. he owns one-fifteenth.’ First of all, I don’t know where they get that number from but I’m cool with it. I know it’s not about me, it’s about y’all. What I mean by that is, it’s not personal to me. They know that if you see me standing here that you know it’s possible to achieve great things. I know a lot of y’all already achieve great things and will continue to do so. Don’t let anybody diminish your accomplishments. It’s our motherf–king time now.
(Warning: Jay uses a little “colorful” language. Don’t watch it at work with your speakers up!)
I couldn’t have said it better.
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve shirked away from a compliment, downplayed my own successes, and refused to toot my own horn just to make others feel more comfortable or like I wasn’t trying to brag, I’d be one fifteenth as rich as Jay. And If I had a buck for each time somebody gave me the “Oh….” look when I told them I’m a blogger, I might just make it the rest of the way.
For whatever reason people love to comment on other people’s journeys. They like to judge, they like to say things they know nothing about, and they loooove to give their opinion on what you should do to succeed.
Their pontifications can be downright annoying and hurtful. But remember this: as long as you’re happy with the road you’re traveling and your own personal definition of success, that’s all that matters.
Awards, achievements, and recognition from the masses are nice, but they aren’t necessary.
What really matters is how you feel about yourself and whether or not you think you’re traveling in the right direction.
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Have you ever downplayed your accomplishments? Please leave a comment and let me know how you deal with people trying to diminish your dreams.
*Looking for a group of people who will support & encourage your dreams? Meet us over on Facebook in the #GOALdiggers group!
You almost contradict yourself by early on writing that owning 1/15 of a basketball team is more than most people will do in a lifetime… You’re belittling folks journey right there! That may not be a path that some want to take and could still be considered successful by their definition.
Hey Marie,
I’m not belittling anyone’s dream. But most of us will never buy into a professional sports franchise. That’s a fact. Does it mean we are any less successful by our own definition? Nope. But does that give us a right to try to discount Jay’s journey because he *only* owns 1/15th (or whatever) of the Nets? Not at all.
As you mentioned, we’re all on different paths. My point was that each person defines what “success” looks like to them and to not let others make them feel bad about it.
Thanks for reading & responding!
I downplay my accomplishments often. Most of the time I don’t even tell anyone what I’ve done. The first piece I ever had published, I kept the accomplishment to myself, and when people found out about it, I didn’t want to talk about it. I’m often chastised because I downplay everything that I do, but I just don’t know how to…share. I’ve never had anyone try to diminish my dreams, because I’ve never really given them the chance to do so.
I’m so glad your wrote this! I’ve had plenty of occasions when I’ve been excited about something I’m doing only for someone else to look at it like it’s nothing. “You write for what website? Never heard of it.” As though the fact that they’ve never heard of said website, means I shouldn’t be happy to see my piece published there. While I still have a LOT I want to accomplish, it’s necessary to celebrate (seemingly) small victories along the way.
PS I love when you post “From the Stacks” links on Twitter. I always click on them!
*wrote
I mean, you*! OMG what am I doing? Lol.