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.
Claire Capek
Acting and modeling is all about persistence in the face of constant rejection. It is just a part of the industry, and because of it you tend to grow a think skin. There are also a lot of stereotypes about actors and models, and you just have to learn to not take any negativism to heart. This industry has to be a passion of yours without worrying so much about the opinions of others. Read more>>
Dr. Khnuma Simmonds
The thoughts, language and actions of haters and nay-sayers are a reflection of them. The thoughts, language and actions that derive from me including my response to them (if any), are a reflection of me. Therefore, the way that I persist despite toxic people and their behaviors, is simply to continue being who I am and practicing self-control – even when that means being kind and open to the very people who may choose to be unkind and resistant to me. Read more>>
Valorie Hubbard
I believe I always persist because of the vision that is in front of me. Keep it clear and direct and it will yes attract nay sayers and haters, but that always happens when you get successful. But most importantly if I know exactly what I want and what I believe that is what keeps me persistant. COUL Read more>>
Donnie B. GotDaBeats
I’ve learned over the years that persistence is a singular path. Haters and naysayers will always have something to say and have an opinion on what they perceive is your reality. For me, I know that my goals will not be achieved if I don’t do everything in my power to achieve those goals so I don’t worry about naysayers and haters, I just view them in the rearview mirror. Read more>>
Robert TheMr Parker
Believing in myself and the True people around me. Once I started to understand myself, my character and who I wanted to be in life I developed a hunger for wanting to grow and better that Person. I went through years of taking the Haters and naysayers opinions and would always set me back somehow and redirect my own beliefs in self. Read more>>
Beth Heckel Founder and executive director
Of all the interview questions, this one stood out to me. My persistence is sometimes pushed because of the nay-sayers, so I cannot say that it was or is a negative thing in my life. Of course, at the time, negative people bother me, but one thing it never did was to stop me from reaching towards a goal. Read more>>
Katharine Campbell
Mostly I ignore them. People who try to tear you down usually do it because they want attention. Responding would only encourage them. That doesn’t mean their words don’t hurt. They do. If something someone says hurts me, I acknowledge the pain but don’t change my plans or answer the offender. Pain goes away with a little time. Read more>>
Josiah Lorsung
Growing up, I didn’t have much. Being a PK (pastor’s kid), homeschooled, and just plain awkward, I was a magnet for teasing. As I got older, my disconnection from the real world deepened, leaving me clueless about how ‘normal’ people navigate life. Read more>>
Jamie Lovelynn
After many years of struggling with depression and mental health issues, I was determined to find another way. I acknowledged and addressed the internal chaos at the root cause of my mental health issues. I decided not to take the traditional route of medications and chose not to believe those who told me there was no hope for change. Read more>>
