goals

Goals Over Feelings: Leading with Purpose

Association of Excellence
May 14, 2025•2 min read

Gentlemen,

Do you care more about the emotions of others or doing what needs to be done? This is a tough one, especially for people pleasers like myself. I’ve often found myself struggling with the fear of rejection while chasing a greater purpose. But let me tell you this: if you have a goal or greater purpose—for yourself, your clients, your family, or your community—do you really let someone else’s emotions stop you? Because if you do, you’re letting fear call the shots!

Let me give you some examples: You’re a salesperson, trying to share your product or service within your network, but you’re afraid of getting rejected or that people might “like you less” or write you off completely. Maybe you're afraid to keep chasing that client down, calling them over and over again for fear they will dislike you. Man up. Your goals—and theirs—are more important than feelings.

You’re a parent, your child is acting up, and you hesitate to discipline them because you’re worried they won’t like you? You know better.

Maybe you have a close friend or relative who’s neglecting their health, their family, or has even given up on themselves. You’re scared to step in and offer guidance because you don’t want to hurt their feelings. Fuck that. It’s more important to speak up than let fear of rejection keep you silent!

Or you’re a manager with an employee who’s out of line, but you fear they won’t like you if you discipline them. Get the job done. That’s what real men of excellence do. To truly help others, to move forward, and to strive for excellence, sometimes feelings are going to get hurt.

Do you think successful men don’t offend a few people along the way? Of course they do. I’m not saying be an asshole or completely disregard people’s feelings. Practice tact and emotional intelligence in how you communicate, but if you truly believe that what you’re doing or saying is for the greater good—speak up. Lay down the law, chase that client, have uncomfortable conversations, and be direct.

Emotions will trick you into staying quiet out of fear of rejection or discomfort. But we are men of excellence, and I want each of you to strengthen yourselves by focusing on the greater purpose, not the emotions of others. Your job, your family, your community—they all depend on you being willing to step up, even when it’s uncomfortable.


Stay strong, stay focused, and let’s keep pushing toward greatness!


Stay Excellent

Rolando Almanzar

Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

Rolando Almanzar

Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

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