How many times have you shared your excitement with someone, only to get a reaction that falls flat? Yeah, me too—
but here’s why that doesn’t matter.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do with your big ideas, plans, or even good news, is to keep them close. We’ve all been there—you get a spark of excitement, something great happens, and you can’t wait to share it with your best buddy or someone close. But instead of the reaction you expect—one of shared joy or enthusiasm—you get a lukewarm, “meh” response. It’s deflating, no doubt. Expecting others to mirror our excitement is natural. However, I’ve learned that sometimes the timing just isn’t right. Or maybe you’re reading the room wrong.

The truth is, your excitement doesn’t need outside validation. It’s great to value the opinions of those you care about, but don’t let them dictate your momentum. If you’re ready to go full speed ahead, then by all means—GO. If you feel like cheering for yourself, then cheer. Celebrate loudly, even if it’s just for your own ears. Of course, there’s a time to seek motivation and inspiration from others. However, there’s never a bad time to celebrate your own happiness.

You never know what your friends or significant other might be going through at the time. Maybe they hear your words, but they’re distracted by their own thoughts. Or maybe, deep down, they have limiting beliefs that keep them from fully embracing your success. And that’s okay—because that’s their journey, not yours.

For me, there’s a unique drive that comes when people don’t hear me or when they think I can’t succeed. Something about breaking through the odds and norms fires me up. But over time, I’ve learned not to take it personally when others don’t respond the way I expect. Instead, I focus on how I respond—to them, to myself, to my goals. One thing I’ve come to realize is that how we treat others often reflects how we want to be treated. So, I’ve made it a practice to give enthusiastic reactions to the wins and good news of others. It’s a small way of spreading joy, and who knows—maybe that enthusiasm becomes contagious.

We’re all on our own journeys, connected yet separate. You never know where someone else is on their path at any given moment. So, don’t let their lack of excitement dull your own. Excitement fuels the fire behind your attitude, and your attitude is what keeps everything smooth, driving you forward.

The Takeaway

Share your good news if you want, but don’t let your feelings depend on someone else’s reaction. If you think their response might bring you down, it’s perfectly fine to keep it to yourself. Like the saying goes, “when you know, you know.”