#399 - Monday Motivation: "There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing..."

Welcome to another short and empowering episode of Monday Motivation, giving you a dose of inspiration as you head into your week...
Today, we explore a powerful quote by the great philosopher Aristotle - a bold reminder that criticism is inevitable when you're truly living:
'There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.'
Three key takeaways you can expect:
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Why criticism is often more about others’ fears than your truth.
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How to stay grounded in your values to silence external noise.
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Why choosing progress over perfection will bring your dream life to life.
Listen in and discover how to use criticism as a compass guiding you towards your dream life, whatever that means for you.
As always, I’d LOVE to hear what resonates with you from this episode and what you plan to implement after listening in.
So please share below, and let’s keep the conversation going in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group here.
Have a wonderful week …and remember, it all starts with a dream 💛
Kristina
Dream Life & kikki.K Founder
SHOW NOTES:
- Follow me on Insta and TikTok
- If you feel it's time to take a leap and invest in you, join:
- My Platinum Coaching Program where in October our focus will be on Living Your Purpose and deepening your alignment with your values. Learn more here.
- My Dream Business Book Club here. In October, we'll be reading and learning from: $100 Start Up: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living.
- My online personal Growth Book Club GROW, October, where we'll be reading and squeezing the learnings out of Creative First Aid: The Science and Joy of Creativity for Mental Health, by Caitlin Marshall.
-
Dream Life Community Facebook Group: Connect with like-minded dreamers.
RESOURCES:
- Sign up to our email list here to hear about upcoming workshops.
- Take your first step to getting clarity on what you want from life with this free bonus dreaming exercise here 101 Dreams Audio Guide
- Buy Kristina's book, Your Dream Life Starts Here
- Discover how close you are to living your Dream Life. Take our 5min Quiz here and get personalised insights emailed to you...
TRANSCRIPT:
Kristina:
Hi there, and welcome back to another Monday Morning Motivation episode.
I want to start today with one of my favourite quotes - a brilliant reminder from Aristotle:
“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”
Let that sink in for a moment.
Personally, I have no interest in living that way.
Here’s the truth: if you’re out there doing something meaningful, speaking your truth, building the life of your dreams - someone will always have an opinion. Someone will criticise.
And that’s okay.
Even if you do choose to say nothing and be nothing, people will still have opinions.
There will always be criticism, always opinions, and always some form of negative feedback.
The only way to avoid that is to shrink into the shadows - to not use your voice, to not take action, and to not live fully.
But that’s not why we’re here, is it?
We are here to live big, beautiful, messy, courageous lives.
To show up. To try. To fail sometimes. To learn and keep going.
So today, I want to share a few gentle reminders for the week ahead:
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Criticism is often a mirror, not a truth.
When others criticise, it’s usually about their own fears and limitations - not your worth. -
Take it as proof that you’re doing something.
If people notice, it means you're stepping out of the "do nothing" zone. That’s progress. -
Stay aligned with your values.
When you know your ‘why,’ it becomes easier to let the noise fade. -
Protect your energy.
Not everyone deserves a seat at the table of your dreams. Be selective about whose feedback you allow in.
This is something I often have to remind myself of, too.
Progress - not perfection - is what moves our dreams forward.
Living with intention and choosing goals that align with your deepest values is how we get closer to a life we truly love.
So, ask yourself this morning:
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Where am I holding back because I’m afraid of criticism?
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What would I do today if I weren’t worried about what others might say?
Your purpose isn’t about pleasing everyone.
It’s about being true to yourself - using your gifts, your voice, and your life in a way that feels right for you.
When you’re anchored in your purpose, criticism stings less.
It may still come, but it won’t stop you.
And if this resonates with you - if you’re feeling like it’s time to go deeper and really explore your purpose - I’d love to invite you to join me for the October round of the Dream Life Coaching Program.
The theme this month is all about living your purpose.
It’s a beautiful, transformative journey - and it might be just what you need if you're ready to step more boldly into your life. No pressure, of course - just know it's there for you if it feels right.
As you head into this week, keep this thought close:
You don’t have to be perfect - but you do have to be true.
Criticism will come. But it’s far better to live as someone who dares and tries, than to play small just to keep others comfortable.
You’re here for more. The world needs what only you can bring.
There’s only one version of you - and that’s exciting.
So, what small, brave step will you take today toward your purpose?
I’d love for you to reflect on that - or even journal about it.
And before I go, let me remind you one more time:
“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”
Let’s avoid that at all costs - and keep creating the life of our dreams, whatever that looks like for you.
Wishing you a courageous Monday and an inspired week ahead.
I’ll see you Friday with another inspiring episode.
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