The Price of Making a Difference
Why critics will always come for those who step into the arena—and why it’s still worth it
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
– Dr. Seuss
The Price of Making a Difference
On April 23, 1910, Theodore Roosevelt stood before a packed audience at the Sorbonne in Paris. The former president had just finished an African safari and was midway through a European speaking tour. It wasn’t uncommon for Roosevelt to have something to say—but this speech was about something that had stuck in his craw after a career dedicated to public service.
He had watched as critics from the sidelines dissected every decision he'd made as president. He'd endured brutal newspaper editorials, political attacks, and personal insults from people who had never shouldered the weight of real responsibility. Now, speaking to students and dignitaries in one of Europe's most prestigious universities, Roosevelt delivered what would become one of history's most quoted passages about leadership courage.
“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 strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming ...”
Over a century later, parts of this quote still appear on locker room walls, leadership books, and tattooed on the arms of pro athletes and even Miley Cyrus.
Why?
Because every leader, coach, and difference-maker eventually finds themselves in the arena—and the arena is where the critics always gather … where making a difference can come with a price.
A mentor once told me, “if no one ever gets mad at you, you probably weren't making a very big difference.” Roosevelt knew this truth too well. Every bold decision he made—from trust-busting to conservation to foreign policy—earned him enemies. But that's the reality of leadership that matters.
You will be wrongly judged.
You will be criticized by people who couldn’t last ten minutes doing what you do.
You will lose sleep worrying about others.
And yet—
If you’re doing it for the right reasons …
If you want to make a positive difference …
It’s still worth it.
If your compass is clear and your heart is honest, you know that, your friends know that, your loved ones know that … and that's what matters.
The arena is dusty, bloody, and exhausting. But it’s worth it. You're making the world a better place because that's why you're here, not because of the critics, the skeptics, the trolls, or those whose entertainment is tearing you down.
The people throwing rocks from the sidelines? They're not in the arena. They're not making the tough calls, having the difficult conversations, or carrying the weight of responsibility. They're spectators critiquing a game they're not playing.
Thankfully, you are the ONLY one who truly gets to determine your mood. We control our response. Don't give this power to someone who may enjoy hurting you.
Stay true to who you are and your purpose. Let the critics criticize—that's their choice. Your choice is how you respond. Your choice is whether you stay in the arena or walk away. And sometimes, walking away is okay. If the heat is just too much, there shouldn't be judgment if you look for a new kitchen. Life is short, and no one deserves to be abused for doing their best, holding the best intentions, and trying to do good. The arena demands a lot from us. If you're giving your all and the cost becomes too high—for your family, your health, your well-being—stepping out isn't failure. It's smart.
But if you do stay—stay because the mission matters, because someone needs your example, and because you believe that the cost of influence is still a bargain for what it buys.
We get to choose, stay safe in the stands, or step into the arena. Avoid criticism or risk it for the chance to make a difference. Critics will always be there, comfortable in their seats, pointing out every stumble. But the arena is where lives are changed.
“To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”
— Aristotle
Connecting this quote to the story. Criticism is the inevitable cost of taking action, and only those who risk nothing avoid it—at the expense of ever making a real difference.
This week’s Chasing Influence tip: If you lead well, someone will misunderstand you. Lead anyway.
If you enjoyed this story, a series of three Chasing Influence workbooks is available. Stories are accompanied by discussion questions and answers. Each workbook contains 33 lessons to use with any team.
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©Troy Urdahl, 2025