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.
Deedee Cummings Cummings
It has helped me to realize that about 90% of what people say to you has nothing to do with you. I talk about this a lot more in my book that was just released called How to Dream. Most of the time when people are being negative it feels like that negativity is pointed at us, and maybe it is, but it is important to realize that the negativity is not about us. That negativity that they are trying to bring you is all about them and their journey. We do not have to allow the negativity of others to take up any bit of space in our minds. Read more>>
Valentino Malauulu
Oh goodness! I love me some haterade. Lol. I embrace it. There’s a saying that goes something along the lines of, ..” if you don’t have at least one hater, you’re not doing it right.” And so throughout my life, I’ve always been at battle with myself. If I’m at battle with myself, and someone else is having their own battle with me, that’s really not my problem, it’s completely theirs. They hate me because they ain’t me, they hate me because they don’t know me, they hate me because I speak truly. There’s a power in being able to take ownership and accountability for your actions and not a lot of people have the ability to enforce that behavior. So to the haters..ask yourself: What is it about the person that you’re so mad about?..and you’ll realize that it literally all leads back to you. Read more>>
Gabi Day
Persisting despite negativity from others – especially those in your own industry and region – can be a challenge. Ultimately, I’ve been able to persist by keeping my eyes on my own paper and staying grounded in who I know that I am. We’ve all heard the adage, “other peoples’ opinions of you are none of your business,” but especially for women who have historically been socialized to be likable people pleasers, it can feel socially and emotionally unsafe to live by that advice. No one likes feeling ostracized. Read more>>
Rahim Ewan
The Haters!!!!!! Great question, well the first thing that comes to mind is the great saying “If you don’t have haters you aren’t doing something right”. Hating is just something that I don’t believe in, I’ve been lucky enough to have been raised in a community where we uplifted and supported one another, these principles were engraved in me as a child. When I have these type of conversations with people I always say, “Man I’m from Soup City, we don’t carry ourselves like that”. When I make this comment people always reply yeah but you spent your teenage years in Columbus, Ohio. This is very true, but I was introduced to morals and principles at a very young age by my community, and I’ve held them very near and dear to my heart since childhood. Read more>>
Julia Penza
I wouldn’t say I have haters. At least I haven’t encountered a lot of negativity. However, I meet many people who are subject to stereotypes. I’m a tattoo artist without tattoos. So people, and often other tattoo artists, don’t take me seriously, thinking I’m not in this field. However, I am deeply convinced that having tattoos does not bring more professionalism to the wearer. Only a tattoo artist’s portfolio can speak to their professionalism. Without self-confidence, you feel uncomfortable. However, after gaining professional qualities, it becomes completely unimportant. I’d even say it’s fun to watch people’s bewilderment. Read more>>
Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, Mba
Certainly! Here’s the revised text: When I think about persistence in the face of adversity, I can’t help but reflect on my journey as the founder of several businesses—Platinum Star Public Relations, Inc., Platinum Star Media Group, Inc., Pitbull PR Agency, Platinum Star Casting Agency, and Angel City Salute Alliance. Each venture represents a piece of who I am and the purpose I serve in this world. But let’s be honest—nothing about this journey has been easy. Read more>>
