Your Cynicism Is Your Worst Enemy

Cynicism may feel like a safety net, but it’s really a cage.

I get it — cynicism feels safe. It’s the armor we throw on when the world gets loud and messy.

It’s that sarcastic comment in the meeting, the “yeah, right” when someone shares their dream, and the inner monologue that says, “This will never work, so why even try?”

Weirdly, being negative makes us feel smart, savvy, and like we’re not suckers.

But cynicism is comfort food for the ego and poison for progress.

Cynicism lets you believe you’re smarter than everyone else. After all, if nothing works and everything is doomed to fail, you’re off the hook.

You can sit back, critique, and stay “safe.” No risks, no vulnerability, no rejection.

But here’s the kicker (and I bet you know this): cynicism doesn’t protect you.

It imprisons you.

Think about the last time you dismissed something because it felt too hard, too idealistic, or too “woo-woo.”

Maybe it was someone’s business idea. Maybe it was your own dream. You likely walked away feeling smug, like you dodged a bullet.