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.

Silvana Cure

I’ve never experienced having haters so far but rather naysayers, and persisting, despite their opinion, is fundamentally about having absolute confidence in your path and your work. Many people questioned whether it was wise to leave a stable career in engineering and architecture after 11+ years of experience. It was often people who are close to me and genuinely want the best for me. They often pointed out that the financial prospects were better in the architecture business. However, I had no doubt this was what I wanted to pursue, and collectors were actually seeking / buying my art, so I couldn’t ignore that passion. It’s not about proving others wrong, but rather staying true to myself and my vision. Interestingly, as I’ve pursued this new direction, I’ve started to see success and validation in ways I would have never anticipated. The journey is just beginning, and I can feel it’s only going to get better from here. Believing in what you do, even when others doubt you, is key to overcoming any negativity and staying on the right path. Read more>>

Anthony “Mann” Carpenter

I just focus on my craft and art . I don’t waste time on worrying if a person is doing their job . If they aren’t talking then obviously you’re not making any noise so I believe haters matter too ‼️ I’m too driven to let anyone or anything stop me but God . When it’s over it’s over, until then this is what I’m doing, and raising my kids. Read more>>

Eilidh Locherty

Persisting despite the haters and nay-sayers has been a significant part of my journey, especially as someone living with cerebral palsy and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Sadly, some people weren’t (and sometimes still aren’t) confident in my abilities when I founded Chaptered Vine Studio as an editor. Some questioned how I could succeed in such a demanding field given my physical limitations or how I’d be able to market my business and get clients. Still, their skepticism only intensified my determination. My drive originates from my passion for fiction editing and assisting writers in bringing their stories to life. I recall the first time a writer I collaborated with had their book published. I had worked with a handful of authors before, but this was the first one to publish. Holding that finished product in my hands was a potent reminder of why I chose this career. All the uncertainties and negativity I had experienced were replaced by pride and satisfaction. This passion keeps me going, even on the toughest days. Read more>>

Jennifer Gasner

I am a wheelchair user. People with disabilities are often subjects of very low expectations, such as not being intelligent, employable, and even attractive. Since my diagnosis at 17 with a progressive disability, I have wanted to go above and beyond those presumptions about my value and capability. I went to college and grad school, and competed in a pageant for wheelchair users. I did many of those things during that time to seek praise and admiration. But now, thirty-three years later, I want to show what many people think about disability is wrong. I have experienced how often disabled people are overlooked, seen as unintelligent, and unable. For example, I went on forty interviews at the same university in nine months and did not receive one job offer. The way people with disabilities have been seen in the media is important. We are not tragic and unfulfilled. Those representations motivate me to contribute positive portrayals of disability. Read more>>

Peter Grebenyuk

With anything you do there’s always going to be haters, and that’s simply a fact of life. It’s difficult when you’re starting out and you’re not used to hate, but after a while it no longer affects you. The biggest thing for me is to focus on my journey and know what I need to do to fulfill my goals. When I first started singing everyone told me that I would never be able to sing, and that I’m better off finding someone else to sing my music. After years of hard work and practice I’ve managed to build my singing skills to the point where it has lead me to getting hired to play in a national touring band called The Red Elvises. Self belief is the one thing that has lead me to achieving everything that I have achieved in my life. Read more>>

Duryea Paige

I turn negativity and criticism from haters into fuel for my perseverance. Instead of letting their comments bring me down, I use them to drive myself forward, improve, and grow. I remind myself that what others think or do doesn’t affect me personally. Often, those who criticize you may secretly admire you or are simply expressing their own insecurities. I choose to view these critics as imaginary and stay focused on my own path. Read more>>

Logan Stanko

From my point of view, haters and nay-sayers are a good thing, not a bad thing. If you have haters that means you are doing something right. When you persist though, and do well with whatever you are doing, the hate turns to admiration. I use haters as a gauge to see if I am making correct decisions. Often times, people are scared of what they don’t know, and that manifests itself negatively. I run toward the negativity and run towards fear of failure. That’s how I know I am on the right track. So bring on the haters! Read more>>

Maria Crawford

Since I can recall, I’ve felt different. And when you’re different, judgement follows close behind. As a stubborn and determined child, my loved ones learned quickly ‘Maria’s way’ was not to be argued. What they didn’t understand was at times I wished I could have been like everyone else. But there was something inside me that wouldn’t quiet until I listened. For years the haters and nay-sayers would keep me up at night, scare me, and make me hide. But that thing inside never let me quit- in fact, I would always find a way to push through. My authenticity and true north were just loud enough. As I leaned into my authenticity over and over again, my resilience got stronger and I learned that fear was uncomfortable, but not dangerous. Now I joke to my friends, “no press is bad press.” When people have something negative to say or think about me, at least I’m on their mind! Since those days of being bullied, judged, excluded, and mocked, I have started three successful businesses as a psychotherapist and coach (M. Crawford Therapy), an e-commerce store owner and curator (PRIE), and a thriving poetry community leader in Portland, Maine (Portland Poets Society) where I have developed connections with the right people who see me for me.  Read more>>

Palmer Alexander

Focusing on the good and not internalizing the bad is how I get through it. Knowing that some situations can be a learning experience and working through that versus getting held up on the negativeness. I try to give grace in those situations – on both ends. People are allowed to have bad days and bad experiences, as long as we learn and grow from those – thats what will keep us going. Before we even opened the cafe up, we had people telling us it wasn’t a good idea or sharing their doubts with us. All the doubts and concerns they were sharing, were ones we had ourselves. We knew the potential risks, hardships and issues we were taking on and we decided that even though there might be some “negatives” the positives and our drive for why we wanted to open a cafe outweighed those. Read more>>

Tierra O’Neal

Persisting despite haters and nay-sayers can be challenging but it’s definitely achievable with the right mindset and environment. In order for me to persist, I focus on my goals by keeping them clear and in front of me. I believe when you have a strong sense of purpose, negative opinions can become background noise rather than obstacles. Finding your purpose can be hard. It took me a while to understand my purpose and I refuse to let anyone steer me wrong. I also make sure to keep building my resilience by finding healthy ways to manage my stress and feelings of defeat. I also remain positive and consistent. I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my journey and practice gratitude for what I’ve achieved so far. Of course, I have my bad days, but I never sit in that place for too long and I stay surrounded by people who love and support me. Persistence is key! I keep taking small steps towards my goals consistently, even when faced with setbacks or criticism. I also focus on my personal growth while always believing in myself. As you grow stronger and more confident in yourself, external negativity will have less impact on your journey. I trust in my abilities and strengths. I remind myself of what I’ve accomplished in so far and use that as motivation to keep moving forward. Read more>>

Trey East

It’s like a trust that I have in myself, a trust in the work I put in. There are many hours I feel like I put in behind the scenes that no one sees. The haters and nay-sayers are just a portion of the opinions I get on the daily. I can’t read too much into the opinions of others when it comes to my work whether that is praise or hate I have to find a happy medium to keep me motivated. Read more>>

Isabel Grijalva

There’s always going to be haters and naysayers in life. How I choose to persist is to take what they say and turn it into motivation and determination to say, ‘watch me,’ to show them that they’re wrong Read more>>

Jeremy “JD” Dodson

I don’t think there is such a thing as “haters” or “nay-sayers”. I believe that they are people that see what they truly want to be and achieve in someone else. However, persisting past their words and actions requires resiliency and constant dedication to both your short-term and long-term goals. I choose to focus on my own business, passions, and ethics rather than let someone else’s opinion define my future successes. Read more>>

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