Adversity sometimes comes from unexpected places.   I think when you are pushing forward on an original, unique, and novel concept, there is a tendency for those around you to question it, and in fact I believe that is a significant part of what turns novel concepts into works of art.

I’ve grown a pretty thick skin when it comes to receiving criticism, and I’ve long since learned to take criticism and turn it into new features for products.  If nobody tells you your product is bad, what motivation is there to make it better?

Today, however, I was unexpectedly taken aback.  I’ve been sharing the progress of MyDashboard.Me with a lot of friends, and they have been enthusiastic, encouraging, and of course critical. Indeed, many times came along offers to assist me, whether it be through introductions to potential investors or even complete QA passes across my prototypes.

So, today I told a friend that I thought my product idea was ready for sharing with investors, and I’d like to take him up on his offer to meet some of his V.C. friends.  Imagine my surprise when his response was that he wanted to wait to use his contacts when he needed them.  Tomorrow I’m going to drop the book “Never eat alone” by Keith Ferrazzi on his desk, and he’s moved from my “friend” to “colleague” category.  Maybe I’ll mumble something about abundance vs. scarcity mentalities.

Of course I’m going to continue my trek, and push forward, and one day I’ll thank him, because it is adversity just like that which really kicks me in the ass with the “I’ll show them!” attitude