Noise-makers/Naysayers vs. Gladiators: Which One Are You?
The Noise-makers/Naysayers sit on the outside, critiquing, blaming, and shaming others. They never take risks, never put themselves out there, and avoid discomfort at all costs.
Then, there are the Gladiators—the ones who show up despite the fear, setbacks, and judgment. They take action, make mistakes, learn, and keep moving forward in pursuit of something greater than themselves.
The Challenge of Being a Gladiator
Stepping into the arena is not for the faint of heart. It requires courage, resilience, and the willingness to be vulnerable. Theodore Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech captures this perfectly:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood… who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
Being a Gladiator means facing the risk of failure head-on. It means showing up, being fully present, and committing to the journey even when the outcome is uncertain.
Why Do Noise-makers/Naysayers Hate?
Noise-makers/Naysayers aren’t bad people. Their negativity is often a reflection of their own fears and insecurities. Their criticism is a protective mechanism to shield themselves from their own lack of action. They judge others because it’s easier than confronting their own fears. But here’s the truth: anyone can step into the arena—even those who have spent years on the sidelines.
If you find yourself hesitant, standing at the edge of something big but afraid to take the leap, know this: you are capable of more than you think. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it’s uncertain. But every Gladiator started with fear before they stepped in.
Stepping Into Your Gladiator Role
- Accept the Fear, But Don’t Let It Stop You – Fear is natural, but courage is deciding to act despite it.
- Take Action Even If It’s Imperfect – Waiting for perfection is a trap. Start now, learn as you go.
- Surround Yourself With Other Gladiators – Seek out those who uplift and encourage you. Community is everything.
- Embrace Failure as a Teacher – Setbacks are not the end; they are lessons that propel you forward.
Noise-maker/Naysayer or Gladiator? The Choice is Yours
Will you stay on the sidelines, pointing fingers, blaming others, and letting fear keep you stagnant? Or will you step into the arena, embrace the challenge, and dare greatly?
History remembers the Gladiators—the ones who showed up, tried, failed, and kept going. Roosevelt warned against being one of the “cold, timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
The question now is: Which one will you be?
Are you ready to step forward, challenge yourself, and embrace your power? If so, let’s work together to help you step fully into your Gladiator role. Reach out and start your journey today!
“Embrace the brilliance within you, it is the path you walk that enhances your radiance, empowering you to be a beacon of hope and positivity.”
- Dr. Suzanne Ravenall
More about Dr. Suzanne Ravenall B.Msc. M.Msc. Msc.D.
Suzanne works within the field of human potential and is a transformation coach, integrative medicine practitioner, and human performance changemaker. Following great trauma herself, she has dedicated her life to helping people tap into their innate potential to overcome their challenges and step into their power and realize their inner "enoughness".
I offer private and group sessions, along with live and self-study training programmes. These are designed to help you create profound changes in your life and positively impact those around you. I’ll guide you in unlocking your most extraordinary self, empowering you to become an unstoppable force.
