When you start winning in Australia, people don’t cheer, they question you. I’ve seen it first-hand in footy. I’ll rock up to a game and straight away, as soon as the ball is bounced, people want to push me around, swing cheap shots, talk trash from the sidelines, or try to get under my skin. It’s Tall Poppy Syndrome at its finest. I don’t complain about it. I never have. I post on social media, I put myself out there, so I know what comes with it. I accept it. To be honest, I even cherish it sometimes. Because it reminds me that I’m standing out, that I’m doing something that’s worth talking about. And sometimes it takes a toll on me… I also know for others, it’s not easy. When you haven’t dealt with that kind of push back before, it can really mess with your head. The comments, the hate, the pressure… It can make you question yourself. That’s why it’s so important to stay true to who you are. Your goals, your purpose, your ambition. You can’t let other people’s opinions or actions beat you down. They’ll try to bring you back to their level, but you’ve got to keep looking forward. Tall Poppy Syndrome will always exist here. But the ones who keep growing, keep standing tall, and stay grounded, they’re the ones who rise above it. Stay focused, stay humble, and let your work do the talking, not just in footy but in life, fitness, business, relationships, keep getting out there & winning!