Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of having a thick skin and resilience, likening it to the admirable stubbornness of a donkey, in order to succeed amidst criticism and skepticism.

Abstract

The author of the article advocates for the value of being thick-skinned, suggesting that it is the most cherished quality in a person, regardless of gender. This trait is compared to the stubbornness of a donkey, which is seen as a positive attribute due to its strong sense of self-preservation. The article contrasts the ease of critiquing with the rarity of genuine appreciation, noting that critics often outnumber supporters. It also points out the societal preference for experience over potential, creating a barrier for newcomers. The author encourages readers to be their own advocates, as self-belief is often the only support one can rely on in the pursuit of excellence and success.

Opinions

Compliments related to personal appearance, work ethic, or passion are highly valued.
Comparisons to animals can be both positive (e.g., loyal like a dog) and negative (e.g., dead as a dodo).
Critics are more visible and recognized in society than those who offer praise or appreciation.
The ratio of detractors to supporters in one's life is often disproportionate, with detractors being more common.
Unsolicited advice from "well-wishers" can be discouraging, especially when pursuing unconventional paths.
Expertise and excellence require significant effort and time, yet it is easy for inexperienced individuals to offer criticism.
There is a societal preference for individuals with a proven track record, which can hinder the opportunities for those starting out.
Self-belief and being one's own best friend are crucial for success, as external support may be scarce.
The stubbornness of a donkey, symbolizing resilience and thick skin, is presented as a desirable trait to emulate in order to persevere and succeed.

I Love an Ass — Doesn’t Matter Black or White, Just a Thick Skinned One

It’s how I judge a person — female or male!

Have you got that one favorite compliment that makes you feel special and makes you want to show your utmost gratefulness to the giver?

To some it is about their appearances “Looks like you’ve been working out” or a simple “Looking sharp this morning” works quite well. To others, it is a compliment to their work, or skill, or something that they’re passionate about. Telling someone that they’ve got a great work ethic that you admire often resonates well.

When it comes to phrases that are considered complementary, the following are all very acceptable:

“Smart cookie”

“Tough nut to crack”

“A fine specimen”

But when it comes to comparisons with animals, there are some that are more coveted than others:

“Loyal like a dog”

“Cute as a pup”

“An elephant’s memory”

“Happy as a clam”

“Darkhorse”

And other’s that are not so favored:

“Dead as a dodo”

“Crocodile tears”

Yet, if you ask me what’s the favorite compliment I’d like to be given, or what kind of people I truly appreciate in today’s world — it is undoubtedly the “Thick-Skinned Ass.”

It might sound counter-intuitive, but it is the one characteristic that can shield you from all unnecessary distractions that deviate you from your path to success and can keep you stubbornly on your path to success. Let me explain.

It’s Easier to Critique Than to Appreciate

Do you know of some famous movie critics? Or sports critics? Or those numerous experts who know how your tastebuds should react to a certain taste i.e. the food and wine critics.

I am sure you’ve heard of some famous people that have made a name for themselves doing just this — building expertise in “critiquing” something and earning a living out of it.

Now ask yourself if you’ve ever heard of someone making money out of “complimenting” or “appreciating” people? Surely, it’s not your boss.

Do you also remember your last year-end review at your job? How your strengths got talked about for a sum total of 5 minutes, while the rest of the 25 minutes of your catch-up with your manager were spent on “constructive feedback” unless you were lucky and the mix was more like 10–20.

For Every Well-Wisher, You’ve Got Two Detractors

If you’re lucky that is, usually that ratio is much worse. So, whenever you think you’ve taken a step in the right direction up the ladder of whatever it is you’re trying to achieve, there is an army of people trying to pull you down.

Remember those voices that constantly tell you “Maybe this isn’t really right for you” or “Maybe you should try something else” or “It only gets harder from here, you sure you want to keep at it?” or “Why don’t you try something more conventional?”

The list is endless. The more unconventional the path you’re trying to tread, the more you’ll get these so-called “well-wisher” ringing warning bells for you when they weren’t even invited to your party.

Excellence Requires Expertise, Critiquing Requires Ummm…Nothing?

I was recently watching a tennis match with a friend. The last time he picked up a racquet was… never.

But when his favorite player hit a forehand and hit it wide, he was the first to remind him how he’s been overhitting the ball ever so frequently today, and how he should just play a bit more defensive if he wants a shot at victory.

That’s the reality with just about everything we do. That player spent a couple of decades slogging his ass out on the tennis court and got to where he is in the top 10 players of the world, and yet this unfit, non-sportsman friend of mine had the balls to simply sit and tell him how he should be playing.

But, who cares?

Everyone Has a First Time — But We Want Experience

You’re a writer? So what have you written in the past?

You’re hoping to be an actor? So what theater or movies have you done before?

Ah, you’re applying for this role, how many years of experience do you have working in such a role before?

Have we all not heard this before? Don’t we want the validation and cushion of a proven track record every time? But hey, hasn’t everyone who is someone today start somewhere? But we don’t want to take the risk of trying a newbie, someone else will.

But what if that someone else thinks the same way too? Isn’t it a never-ending circle? It is.

So, often, the only one that believes in your abilities without the comfort of “proof” is yourself.

What’s The Solution then?

Well, it’s our beloved friend — the donkey or more popularly known as the ass.

Asses have a notorious reputation for stubbornness, but this has been attributed to a much stronger sense of self-preservation than exhibited by horses. We all love horses, don’t we? But their “lesser” cousin might be just the animal you want to aspire to be.

Having a thick skin is a virtue that beats almost every other virtue in today’s world. Just learn to be your own best friend and back your own abilities, coz it's likely that no one else will. But when you prove them all wrong, they’ll quietly all get in line to hide behind the crowds that will gather to applause your achievements.

So, be this lovely animal, and you’ll be set for life.