7 Ways to Deal with Naysayers by Jon Gordon

Anyone who has ever pursued a goal or dream, attempted to start a new business, worked on an innovative project, shared a new idea, strived to be a champion or tried to change the world has faced naysayers along the way. Today's generation calls them affectionately the HATERS, those who appear to be trying to bring you down every step of your journey.

Unfortunately, the world is filled with far too many unfinished projects, unrealized goals, broken dreams, half written books, untapped potential and wounded hearts pierced by the words of a naysayer. 

In this spirit I want to share Jon Gordon’s 7 Ways to Deal with Naysayers to help you create your future.

1. Ignore them - Simply ignore what they are saying. Tune them out. Of course, you want to receive feedback that will make you better but you want to ignore people and words that seek to derail you from your goal.

2. Hear them and know their words have no power over you - This is what I did with the woman who said I would never make it. I heard the words but knew they had no power over me. The power inside you is much greater than the words of a naysayer. 

3. Remember Gandhi’s advice "I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet." - Knowing you have the power inside you to overcome the negativity in the world means you won't let the opinion of others define you or your destiny.

4. Remind yourself that history doesn't remember the critic. History remembers the one who withstood criticism to accomplish something great. - In order to create something new, achieve your goal and change the world you will have to overcome negativity, adversity and naysayers. While the naysayer says words few will remember, you will leave a legacy many won't forget. Critics write words but they don't write the future. You do with your faith, belief and actions.

5. Your faith and belief must be greater than all the negativity and doubt - You must expect criticism but have an even greater expectation that you will overcome it. Your positivity must be greater than all the negativity. It may sound cliché but you must stay positive each day as you work to improve and create your future.

6. Don't let anyone walk through your mind with their DIRTY TWEET - This is a great spin on the Gandhi quote because with social media you will have more fans and critics than ever. Don't let praise go to your head or let critics in your head. Utilize tips 2-5 to overcome the naysayers who have access to you online that would never say anything to your face.

7. Decide to work harder and get better. - We can allow negative comments to weaken us or fuel us. I don't believe in trying to prove people wrong. But I do believe in working hard to become the best you can be. So consider each negative comment as a nudge to work harder and get better. You can't control what people say but you can control the actions you take to improve. Utilize both the praise and the criticism to get better.