Ignoring the Naysayers

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.

Dawn Web

Leaning on my support system for reassurance, including my partnerships, family, creative team, friends, and therapists. Engaging in activities that bring joy and positively reinforce my skills also is something that helps to distract myself, boost my feel good neurohormones, and redirect my energy. Read more>>

Kelly Roberts

When I first quit my job to start my business, people around me were saying I wouldn’t be successful. They thought I would eventually be forced to go looking for jobs again. I think all entrepreneurs experience this and it’s because the people who are saying these things and the people who wish they could take the risks that we take. I just use their words to fuel me to be successful even more, and prove them wrong. Read more>>

Makena Metz

When I was just starting to write in college, I was very impacted by getting constant rejection letters. Every time I opened my email, I held a breath (I didn’t know I was holding) to learn if my work had been accepted to an opportunity I wanted. Most of the time, it was not. Read more>>

Daniel Hochman

The trick I use to get through all the nay-sayers is to actually listen to them. So the first thing I do is hear their objections and then ask myself if they are indeed pointing something out I might be overlooking. While they may not be polite about it, the objection should still be taken seriously before automatically dismissed. Read more>>

Todd Franklin II

I remain faithful in my purpose. I walk in knowing what my life on earth is for and the people that I do it for. I believe the world is mostly negative energy since it is widely viewed as an “easier” way to function as opposed to being positive. Therefore, with that in mind, I strive to be the best that I can be in this lifetime.  Read more>>

Donnell Hilliard

I stay persistent as a barber and business owner despite haters and naysayers by implementing a series of strategies: 1. I articulate what I want to achieve in my barber business. Having a strong sense of purpose helps me stay focused and motivated. Read more>>

El Rodriguez

As a child my entire family were nay-sayers. I grew up in an abusive family and I guess I learned from very early on that there was no safe space for me and that I could either just rot and never do anything I wanted to do or fight anyway and do the things that bring me joy. Read more>>

Sarah Amrou

Persisting in the face of haters and naysayers has been crucial in my journey. The key is maintaining a strong sense of self-belief and staying focused on my goals. I constantly remind myself of why I started Saniia and the passion that fuels my work. This sense of purpose keeps me committed to my vision, regardless of external criticism. Read more>>

Yvette Conyers

Persist, a verb and according to the Cambridge dictionary meaning “to continue to exist past the usual time, or to continue to do something in a determined way even when facing difficulties or opposition”. Read more>>

Vice

Easy, keep it moving. It’s like politics, you can’t please everyone, focus on your personal goals, and surround yourself with positivity. Remember your why, why is this important to you? Does it bring you joy? Are you passionate about what you do? If the answer is yes to the last two then that’s all that matters. At the end of the day other people’s opinions don’t pay your bills, and don’t let people’s insecurities throw you off your game. Keep it pushing. Read more>>

Zach Wetzel

This is the topic of the century. I moved to Tucson after an established performing career in both Utah and Los Angeles. Many received me warmly, but I was also met with what I can only describe as contempt by some.  Read more>>

Joe Compton

The main thing I always remember is the hate has to do more the person spewing it than where it’s aimed. I don’t take it personal. The art I create, and the work we do at Go Indie Now we do the best we can, and at the end of the day if that aim is reached, nothing else matters.  Read more>>

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