The book "Is this Seat for Me? has garnered 170 reviews on Amazon, and I’m proud to say the majority of them—a solid 80%—are glowing 5-star endorsements. That translates to about 119 people who loved and appreciated the book. Yet, amid all this positive feedback, there’s one glaring 1-star review. And let me tell you, that single review has consumed more of my time and energy than all the positive ones combined.
When I read that 1-star review (and yes, I’ve read it over and over—probably more times than I care to admit), it angers me. It’s riddled with inaccuracies and baseless criticism. Objectively, I know it’s just one voice among many, but it has a way of pulling me in and overshadowing the praise.
Then I’m reminded of a powerful quote by Tony Robbins: “Energy flows where attention goes.” It’s a simple truth. When I focus on the negativity of that single review, I’m giving it undue power. Instead, I need to redirect my attention to the open water of success—the majority of readers who found value and joy in the book "Is This Seat For Me."
My husband, a whitewater kayaker, often says, “Don’t look at the rocks; look at the path.” It’s not just great advice for navigating rapids; it’s a mantra for life. Where you focus determines where you go. Dwelling on obstacles like that 1-star review only increases the likelihood of hitting them. Instead, keeping my eyes on the open water ahead helps me steer toward my goals.
This concept isn’t limited to kayaking. In healthcare, there’s a saying: “You steer where you stare.” If you look at the floor, you’re more likely to stumble. The same is true in life and work. Focus on your destination, not the distractions along the way.
Even Henry Ford, controversial as he might be, had words of wisdom on this: “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” It’s a reminder to stay goal-oriented. When I fixate on the one negative review, it looms large in my mind. But when I focus on my overall success, that 1-star review shrinks in significance.
A year ago, my book had only 30 reviews. Now it has 170. That growth is proof that, as the saying goes, “Your direction is more important than your speed.” Progress may come slowly, but staying on the right path ensures you’ll eventually reach your destination.
Finally, I’m inspired by Aisha Tyler’s perspective: “Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through it.” That 1-star review is just a bump in the road, an obstacle along the way. What truly matters is how I keep moving forward and continue to share my work with those who appreciate it.
I aspire to do better and not let one piece of negativity overshadow the overwhelming support I’ve received. The journey of creating, sharing, and growing isn’t about avoiding rocks; it’s about steering toward the open water. Here’s to staying focused on the path ahead.
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