You know what I've noticed? The loudest critics are almost always the ones who've never actually done the thing they're criticizing. They'll tear apart someone's business, creative work, or achievements without ever having risked anything themselves. It's easy to judge from the sidelines when you've never stepped onto the field.

When you've actually built something, you understand the late nights, the failures nobody sees, the moments of doubt, and the sacrifices required. You develop a genuine respect for anyone who's made it because you know it's never just luck or privilege. There's always blood, sweat, and persistence behind every success story.

The people who've climbed their own mountains don't waste time throwing stones at others climbing theirs. They're too busy working on their next goal, learning from others, and celebrating wins wherever they see them. They get it because they've lived it.

So next time you catch yourself being overly critical of someone's success, pause and ask yourself: have I actually tried this? Because once you do, you'll realize that criticism without experience is just noise. Real understanding comes from walking the path yourself.

  • "Walk a mile in my shoes". I was taught this as a kid. I'm not kids are taught this anymore, but they should be.

  • This is everyone. Most people have way too strong opinions about everything. Ask some knuckle dragger whose personal life is a complete disaster what the US should do about Iraq (or any nuanced, complex topic) and buddy will have 30 mins of strong thoughts and feels about it all.