Almost everything that’s changed the world in a positive way has been an unreasonable idea. It’s unreasonable, until it’s commons sense. That’s how change happens and so in order to make a difference in the world, it’s incredibly important to be able to ignore the naysayers. Some of the best and brightest from our community share their stories and advice below.
Lorenza De Benedictis

When I was younger, and even into my adult life, I’ve struggled with my self-esteem, confidence and overall social skills from progressive bullying within my friend groups. I’ve always had someone over my shoulder telling me I couldn’t do something because it was too hard, or my work wouldn’t be liked by anyone, or it wasn’t good – or even worse things than that. People tell me that is pretty hard to believe! I was very shy, but as I’ve grown, I’ve become more and more interested in who I am and less interested in what people think about me. To say I persist is an interesting thing because I don’t always feel I have the strength to do that. Read more>>
Raydan Harris

The reason why I keep going is because I know these haters all talk amongst each other and say “I can’t wait until he gives up” and hope for that day to come and I make sure that they’re wrong by continuing to get past every obstacle and every challenge that comes my way. Also, my Auntie Lisa and my cousin Rudolph “Revenue Hefner” started a family label called Stack-A-Grip ENT and their dream was for my whole entire family to make it but unfortunately they both passed away tragically. This is why I continue to keep going because now they’re living through me and I have to finish what they started. I been through a whole lot. I’ve had so many events in my life to where if the average person went through those things they would have given up but everything I’ve been through I’ve looked at it as personal development for myself. So instead of being down about it I appreciate it because I know that somewhere down the line that these things I’ve been through will help me get through the next thing that comes my way. Read more>>
Hakon Ademi

well, to be honest, I have never experienced hate from anybody who does better than myself. All the people from my level and up are super supportive and motivating. And all the people that I receive hate from its people that I think having a big issue with themselves! I think these people wanted to do something with her life, But they never did. And I really feel sorry for a lot of these people who have such regrets about not following their dreams, but I will also take this time to say, please don’t influence others to not chase their dreams and reach their potential! People need support, not hate! The end of the day the haters are my fans, And I do really appreciate them for following every step that I do pointing out my mistakes, Because only by mistakes you learning. And Thank you for always thinking about me and keeping me living, rent free in their minds! Read more>>
Liza Savary

When I originally came up with the idea for our Ruggish Play Rugs, I cautiously shared it with others. The response was mostly positive, but there were a few that didn’t agree with my vision. I had believed in the product so much that was able to block out those few nay-sayers but focusing on the reason why I created it in the first place.
I constantly reminded myself of that the product wasn’t for everyone, and that was okay! Read more>>
Bella Walker

Stay grounded in your purpose always remind yourself why your doing what your doing. When your why is strong enough, outside opinions lose their power over you Reconnect with your deeper motivations.
Also separate criticism from your self worth understand that negative feedback says more about the person offering it than it does you. Criticism can be valuable if it’s constructive, but often, it’s simply a reflection of someone else’s fears , insecurities, or misunderstandings. Read more>>
Kaitlin Files

I have learned the power of self worth. Once you master validating yourself from the inside, not by relying on other people’s thoughts or opinions of you, you become a different kind of powerful. As I evolve over the years by learning a lot of life lessons, the opinions of others do not hold the same weight they once did. Daymond John taught me to always consider the source before giving weight to any advice or opinion. Read more>>
Donald Guzzi

Early on in my career, I really let words get to me. Reading negative reviews of projects I was a part of and dealing with negative criticism was a tough pill to swallow. No matter how awesome I felt a performance was, or how much a director/client had loved what I had given them, there was always negative feedback from the watchers of said content. Read more>>
Madison Christgau

Honestly, when it comes to haters, I just let them do their thing and I do mine. Everyone has their own opinion on things, some align with me and what I do and some don’t. It’s just the way it goes. When it comes to nay sayers I try to be compassionate. Not everyone thinks certain things are possible, and sometimes we just need to show them the potential we all have when we dream big dreams. Read more>>