A lion never loses sleep over the opinions of sheep.

Janki Shastri
4 min readSep 12, 2023

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In the heart of the savannah, where the golden grass swayed in the warm breeze, there lived a lion. A magnificent beast, he was the undisputed king of his domain. His power, his presence, his very essence exuded confidence and self-assuredness. But what set him apart was not just his physical prowess; it was his unwavering belief in himself, a belief so strong that it was said he never lost sleep over the opinions of the sheep.

In this vast wilderness, there were other creatures too, the sheep. They roamed the plains, a timid and fearful bunch. Often, they huddled together, seeking safety in numbers. They were quick to doubt, quick to criticize, and even quicker to underestimate the lion.

The lion, on the other hand, was a picture of supreme confidence. He walked with a regal stride, his head held high, his eyes fixed firmly on his goals. He knew he was the apex predator, and this knowledge radiated from him like an aura. He never questioned his abilities, never wavered in the face of adversity, and never paid heed to the doubts that occasionally whispered in the wind.

The sheep, however, couldn’t understand this. They would often gather in small groups and discuss the lion. “He’s too arrogant,” one would say. “He should be more humble,” another would chime in. And they would nod in agreement, convinced that their opinions were the right ones.

But the lion never lost sleep over their opinions. He knew that their doubts and criticisms were like pebbles thrown at a mountain. They could make noise, but they could never shake his foundation. He had learned a valuable lesson early in life – the power of self-belief.

As a cub, he had faced his own share of challenges. There were times when he failed in his hunts, times when he faced stronger adversaries, and times when he had to go hungry. But he never let these setbacks define him. Instead, he used them as stepping stones, as lessons to become stronger, faster, and smarter.

He remembered the wise words of his elder, an old lion who had seen many seasons come and go. “A lion never loses sleep over the opinions of the sheep,” the elder had told him. “You are born to be a king, my child, and kings do not concern themselves with the thoughts of their subjects.”

And so, the young lion grew into his role as the king of the savannah. He ruled with grace and power, and he knew that his success was not determined by the chatter of the sheep but by his own actions and decisions.

In the world of humans, too, this wisdom holds true. Just as the lion faced doubters and critics, so do we. There are always those who will question our choices, our dreams, and our abilities. They may tell us that we’re aiming too high, that we should be more practical, that we should conform to the expectations of others.

But if we let these voices dictate our lives, we become like sheep, huddling in the safety of the flock, afraid to step out and chase our dreams. The lion’s message is clear: don’t lose sleep over the opinions of the sheep. Instead, be like the lion, confident in your abilities, resolute in your pursuits, and unyielding in your self-belief. It’s your journey toward your self-identity and only you are to make that mark 📌

When we embrace the lion’s mindset, we find the strength to overcome obstacles. We learn to view failures as opportunities to grow, criticism as mere background noise, and doubts as motivators to prove ourselves. We become the kings and queens of our own lives, ruling with confidence and purpose. Thus creating our unique self which does not need or seek flocks to approve.

“A lion never loses sleep over the opinions of the sheep” reminds us of the power of self-confidence, resilience, and selective listening in our journey towards success and personal fulfillment. Emulating the lion’s mentality means staying true to ourselves, believing in our capabilities, and pursuing our goals with unwavering determination.

By doing so, we can navigate the challenges of life, unfazed by the doubts and criticisms that may come our way. The quote encourages us to unleash the brave heart within, roaring with the confidence to achieve our dreams and the resilience to overcome any obstacles that may arise.

In essence, it’s not about seeking approval from others but about staying true to ourselves and embracing our inner gladiator on the path to success and self-realization.

In the end, it’s not about seeking approval from others but about staying true to ourselves. Just as the lion roars in the heart of the wilderness, so should we roar with the confidence to chase our dreams, the resilience to face challenges head-on, and the unwavering belief that we are born to be kings and queens of our own destinies. So, remember the lion’s lesson and never lose sleep over the opinions of the sheep.

And if ever you hear much said about you ; in and around you – just remember: that the difference between you and the Lion is just a ROAR!!!

Pic courtesy: Google images.

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Janki Shastri

A writer, a poet, a translator/interpreter , a maverick, sharing my heart out , my expression in words.