THE COURAGE TO BE DISLIKED.

One of the qualities I admired most in my father was his unwavering commitment to authenticity, unburdened by the fear of disapproval. He never entertained the notion that others' opinions should dictate his path. He was a singular force—raw, unapologetic, and profoundly unique. His life's mission was clear: to empower others to embrace their innate potential and harness it for extraordinary achievements. Simply put he wanted people to believe in themselves and that anything was possible. 

It’s one thing to articulate a vision or craft a mission statement; it’s entirely another to pursue it with such laser-focused passion that external doubts, ridicule, or criticism hold no sway. My father pioneered practices that were once dismissed as eccentric—innovations now embraced in life and sports. He was an outlier, thriving in discomfort, indifferent to judgment. The key insight? True progress demands stepping into unfamiliar terrain without regard for others’ perceptions of your journey. Often, critics are merely projecting their own hesitations, their reluctance to summon courage or commit to the grind.

The peril of heeding others’ opinions is that they can erode your potential. You risk living for external validation, yielding little fulfillment and immense fatigue. I recall overhearing my son on a call with friends, one worried about an uninvited slight to a party. His response? “There are 8 billion people on this planet, and the sooner you accept that not all will like you, the freer you’ll be.” I paused mid-step, grinning. Moments like that quicken the pulse because they’re the essence of wisdom.

Embracing this truth, that universal approval is illusory, unlocks profound happiness. Voicing bold ideas or making difficult calls inevitably creates friction, unsettling most people. Yet that’s acceptable. Those secure in their pursuits, driven by curiosity and a desire for collective success, will resonate with you. It’s the insecure who resist, and their battles aren’t yours to wage. Cultivate the courage to be disliked. Stay true to your core, experiment boldly, and champion innovation despite fear. Perfection is a myth, overrated and unattainable. My father was unpolished, imperfect, yet his counsel was timeless, his life exemplary. He would have shook his head in disbelief at the curated facades: the staged photo of a flawless laugh in a trendy café, latte art gleaming beside a pristine croissant and designer shades. We’ve all indulged in such illusions.

Instead of spending hours scrolling through social media, dedicate that time to writing your letter.  Social media can often distract us from our true aspirations, leading to a cycle of comparison and self-doubt. Writing a letter to yourself is a powerful act of self-reflection and intention-setting. It encourages you to think deeply about what truly matters and stimulates  self-discovery. This simple act can cultivate newfound confidence and clarity on your path to success. It’s about saying, “This is who I am, and this is who I want to become.”

The greatest gift? Transcending the fear of dislike or embarrassment. It liberates you to explore without restraint. So much of existence is constrained by this invisible barrier, but shattering it expands horizons immeasurably. Who knew that embracing disapproval could be so exhilarating? I encourage you to embrace the courage to be disliked and I bet you will feel more joy than you ever thought possible. The kind of fearless joy we love at KOCH. 

What's happening at KOCH? We have so many exciting things in the works right now! We’re currently designing custom PJ sets, welcoming new ambassadors, and prepping some really fun upcoming launches. If you want custom pjs for your sorority or to join the KOCH ambassador fam, email addison@shopkoch.com— we’d love to get you involved!