Outpacing the Naysayers: Using Criticism to Fuel Your Journey Forward

"If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore." - Michele Ruiz

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That moment when someone, whether a friend, a colleague, or even a family member, casts doubt on your ability to succeed. Maybe it’s subtle—a raised eyebrow or a lukewarm "good luck"—or perhaps it’s more direct, like outright criticism. Either way, it stings.

But here’s the thing: their doubts? They aren’t about you. They’re a reflection of their limitations, their fears, and maybe even their own unfulfilled dreams. And honestly, sometimes we give too much weight to other people’s opinions, don’t we? We let their doubts seep into our thoughts, slowing us down or stopping us in our tracks. But that’s not where the story ends.

Use Doubt as Fuel

If someone doubts how far you can go, good. Use it. Let it fuel you. Not in a spiteful, "I’ll show you" kind of way, but in a way that makes you laser-focused on your journey. You see, doubt can either stop you or spark you. The choice is yours.

Think about it: every time someone says you can't do something, that’s an opportunity. It’s a reminder to double down on your efforts, work harder, and go even further than you planned. Not to prove them wrong but to prove to yourself that you're capable of more than you imagined.

Go So Far You Can’t Hear Them Anymore

Michele Ruiz’s quote hits home because it’s not just about outpacing the doubters—it’s about going so far that they become irrelevant. At some point, you have to stop listening to the noise. You have to focus so intently on your path that you can’t hear the whispers of doubt anymore. Eventually, you’ll be so focused on your growth and progress that their opinions won’t even register anymore.

Tough Love: It’s Not Easy

Now, let’s be real for a minute: this isn’t easy. I’m not here to sugarcoat it. Going further than the doubters expect will take effort—lots of it. There will be days when you’re tired, when you question your abilities, and when you might even start to believe the doubts that were thrown at you. But here’s where the tough love comes in: you have to keep moving anyway.

Progress doesn’t happen overnight. You’re not going to wake up tomorrow, hear someone doubt you, and then immediately run circles around them. It’s going to take time, patience, and a whole lot of grit. But each day, each step, you get a little closer to the point where their voices fade into the background.

The Importance of a Positive Mindset

One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a positive mindset when you’re surrounded by doubt. It’s easy to get discouraged. But remember, your thoughts shape your reality. If you let the doubts of others infiltrate your mindset, you’ll start to doubt yourself. And once that happens, you’re already losing the battle.

So, how do you combat this? You start by getting clear on your vision and your why. Why are you pursuing this path? What does success look like to you? When your purpose is strong, the external noise becomes just that—noise.

Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and, more importantly, people who hold you accountable to it. These are the ones who will remind you of your potential when you forget. And when you feel the doubt creeping in, remind yourself: it’s not your job to prove anyone wrong. It’s your job to stay focused on becoming the best version of yourself.

Embrace the Journey

There’s something liberating about realizing that you don’t have to fight the doubters. You don’t have to engage with their negativity or try to convince them of your worth. All you have to do is keep going, building, and believing in your potential. And if you keep moving forward with that mindset, you’ll go so far that you’ll no longer hear the doubts because you’ll be too focused on what really matters—your journey and your growth.

So, the next time someone underestimates you, smile. Let it roll off your back. Then, quietly, get back to work. Stay committed, stay focused, and before you know it, you’ll be miles ahead, wondering why you ever let their opinions matter in the first place.

~Dr. Nataliey Bitature