When you share a big goal you want to achieve and someone responds with “Can you do it?”, it can feel like a punch to the heart. Instead of offering support or constructive guidance, that one question often carries a hidden message: they don’t believe you can. Their doubt is wrapped in a sentence that sounds innocent, but it lands as discouragement.
People will always have opinions. They speak from their own life experiences, fears, and belief systems. Some opinions help us grow. Others distract us or make us question ourselves. When everyone thinks differently and speaks from different places, how do we cope? With respect to others and with respect to our own growth, the key is choosing wisely who we talk to when making career decisions or discussing our future. It can be discouraging if we open up to someone who does not believe in themselves. And even if we speak to someone experienced or successful, their feedback may still challenge us, but at least it will be constructive and grounded in real results.
Hearing “Can you do it?” without any supportive or constructive feedback is not encouragement. It implies the person already believes you cannot. During seasons of growth, what we need most are people who believe in us, trust our direction, and remind us of what is possible. We need uplifting energy, not energy that pulls us down. People who believe in themselves tend to believe in others. They operate from a growth mindset and see potential. People with a fixed mindset stay in the same beliefs and assume nothing can change. We can be friends with anyone, but when it comes to our career, we must be intentional about who we listen to.
A vision and a goal support us to live a purposeful life. A vision shows us where we are headed, and a goal gives us something real to work toward. When we combine the two, we no longer move through life by accident. We walk with intention, clarity, and direction. Even when challenges arise, a meaningful vision keeps our heart steady, and committed goals keep our actions consistent. This is how we turn hope into progress, and progress into purpose.
So who should we listen to when it comes to our career?
1. Look at what they have achieved. Their results shape who they are today.
2. Look at their values. Are they aligned with the direction you want to grow into?
When we choose our influences with intention, we make sure that what we absorb supports the person we are becoming. And in the end, if no one believes in you, please remember this: C.C.Within believes in you fully and wholeheartedly and you absolutely deserve it.
Someone else’s belief can spark motivation, but your actions are what will take you there. We are your cheerleaders, your support system, and part of your fuel. The rest is already within you. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a comment. I will reply to you personally.
About the author
I’m Chi Chi Wang, helping people who struggle with body image build confidence and live with purpose.
Thank you for reading. If this reflection spoke to you, I invite you to explore more articles, each one is written to help you build confidence, self-worth, and a healthier body image.
📖 My book From Ugly to Beautiful Without Surgery is now available, created from over ten years of exploration into what true beauty really means.
💡 If you’re ready to go deeper, C.C.Within offers workshops, talks, and coaching programs designed to help you rebuild self-trust and live with purpose.
The C.C.WITHIN™ Model is my original framework for building undeniable confidence without changing your appearance. First introduced in 2025.
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