“I carry a small sheet of paper in my wallet that has written on it “If you are not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.””
— Brene Brown
Simplified Meaning:
When someone says they carry a piece of paper that basically tells people not to give feedback unless they’re also involved and facing challenges, it means that they value advice from people with hands-on experience. Imagine you’re working hard at a tough job, trying to solve real problems and dealing with setbacks. You wouldn’t want criticism from someone who hasn't experienced the same struggles and risks. Their opinion might not be as valuable or relevant because they haven't been in your shoes. For example, if you’re training to run a marathon, advice from another runner who knows about the training difficulties, sore muscles, and perseverance is very helpful. But advice from someone who has never run at all might not be as useful because they don’t understand what you’re going through. This idea helps you focus on feedback that comes from a place of understanding and shared experiences. It teaches you to seek and trust guidance from those who have faced similar challenges, which can lead to better support and more meaningful improvements.
