One of the things that as a High Achiever you will have to contend with, is your critics. The very fact that you are blazing the path that not too many are willing to travel, will be reason for others to 
make you their target. Every HIgh Achiever have this one thing in common: a bull’s eye on your back. You are an open target.
This should come as no surprise to you. It comes with the territory.
There is a story that is told of crabs in a bucket trying to climb out. As the story goes, each time one of the crabs would climb on the back of other crabs and seem to be making its way out, another crab would grab it’s claw and pull it down. This went on and on and on, until the persistent crab finally made it out.
This is what its like when you, as a High Achiever, try to get out of your bucket. You will have others who will do everything in their power to pull you back into the bucket. You have to make up your mind that you will be that persistent crab.
Two people that I consider to be High Achievers are Joel and Victoria Osteen who are the senior pastors of the largest church in America – Lakewood Church.
They have led that church from a few thousand people to almost 50,000 people attending on any given week.
I have listened to their teachings when I get the chance to do so and have encouraged others who need to be inspired in their lives, to do the same.
Because of their success, many have tried to pull them back into the bucket with disparaging remarks both verbally and written. They have chosen to stay above the frey and not climb back into the bucket.
Recently, Victoria Osteen made the following comment, which has brought about the ire of many. The ugliness of these remarks, have come from other religious leaders, which is the troubling part. It makes you wonder.
Here is what she said:
“When we obey God, we’re not doing it for God…we’re doing it for ourself. Because God takes pleasure when we’re happy. Do good ’cause God wants you to be happy. When you come to church, when you worship Him, you’re not doing it for God, really. You’re doing it for yourself because that’s what makes God happy.”
Taking out of context and without knowing the history of this couple, the statement could be troubling. I’m not here to defend the Osteens or to make this blog an evaluation of her comments.
However, I must say that I agree with her. We can do nothing for God. He has given us the opportunity to experience Him so that we benefit in the end (if you’re honest enough to admit it). It’s for our sakes that we love God, give to God, pray to God, knowing that He wants what’s best for us.
My point is that, as a High Achiever, you will say or do things that could be taken out of context. Also, you will say things or do things that will come out wrong.
As a speaker, I know that I have said things that came out not the way I was thinking; it was a mistake. This is a guarantee for all speakers.
At some point, you will find yourself in a similar situation as that of Victoria Osteen. When you do, keep moving on. Don’t spend time trying to change the mind of your naysayers and haters. You are not going to convince them otherwise. If you need to make a comment acknowledging the mistake, do so quickly.
I think I know what Victoria Osteen was saying. I’m willing to give her a pass on the statement. As a High Achiever myself, I know that it won’t be long that I too will find myself in some similar situation, and will have to learn how to handle that situation well.
Are you a High Achiever? Do you want to be a High Achiever? Get ready. Your time will come.
What’s your thoughts on the position I have chosen to take? Leave a comment below in the box provided.
I’m sorry, I respect your perspective Kingsley, but I can’t stand with you on this one. I hear you saying 2 things: Firstly, that high achievers at some point will say something that comes out the wrong way. I know multiple “high achievers” who have had an entire career without saying something that is as controversial as this. I really don’t understand how they could get that much “wrong,” by just being high achievers. (And when I say “wrong,” I just mean things that would not be accepted by many in the evangelical movement). Further, my understanding is that Mrs. Osteen has dug her heals in, and has held to her statement. Apparently she doesn’t think she was taken out of context. She meant exactly what she said. She qualified one thing, and then right back and reiterated the point again. Most people who feel they were misunderstood would be significantly more contrite.
But secondly, I hear you saying that you agree with what she said. So did she make a mistake, or is her statement just fine? The reason I can’t give her a pass, is that I just cannot accept the theology behind her statement. Without going through a litany of Scriptures, I’ll just say that I think it’s bad hermeneutics to say that when we worship God we do it for ourselves. I’m reminded of the first line in Rick Warren’s book “Purpose Driven Life”: “It’s not about you.” The Bible is replete with passages that say it’s not about us; and that if you want to be a true disciple, you must take up your cross and follow Him. The symbolism behind taking up a cross is monumental.
My third issue takes what Raz Darnell said a little further. It’s not just a watered-down Gospel, I struggle to find a complete Gospel in their messages in general. I have listened to dozens of messages, and have heard multiple interviews, and I just do not hear the core, essential ingredients of the Gospel message. I have heard Joel Osteen go as far to say, in context, when asked why his message was different to Billy Graham’s, he responded that “that is not what he was called to do.”
I also have a huge problem when people refer to the numbers of people who listen (and yes, “follow” the Osteens), as evidence of the “fruit” of their ministry. Without going into details, there are huge “places of worship” throughout history who have followed people who were not preaching truth. The Bible has quite a bit to say about that especially in the last days. I am not accusing the Osteens of any of that. I have no idea. I am only saying that “numbers of people” does not equate with “fruit of ministry.”
Hey Tommy,
Thanks for your thoughts. I can only speak from what I’ve seen making it’s rounds on the net. I’m speaking to that issue and still stand behind my post.
I do believe people who have a platform as they do, are open targets. Maybe I’m simplistic to believe what Jesus said: those who are not against him are for him. I’ve not seen where thy are against Jesus. Have you?
I guess we respectfully disagree on this. Thanks for this dialogue. #healthydialogue
Good point Kingsley Grant we all say things that are not clear sometimes or come out wrong. I believe many prejudge the Osteen’s because of previous statements so it’s hard to give them a pass. Trust, I may not agree with some things they say, but I really don’t think this situation deserves this much attention.
I agree Clinton that it’s been given more attention than it deserves. I also don’t agree with everything they say as I do others as well. That’s why I’m speaking only to her comment. #healthydialogue
this is awesome!!! very well said & i agree wholeheartedly.
Thanks Leela.