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.
James McDaniel
Haters are a common enemy most artists have in this field. Trying to avoid the hate is only going to put unnecessary pressure on your plate. Hate is a blessing and it shows that what you are doing is unique. If you truly standout, everyone isn’t going to like it. Read More>>
Ian Teeley
Two words: voodoo dolls. Read More>>
Abby Porter
Early on when I started, the comments from nay-sayers used to bother me more. When you’re building something that matters to you, criticism can feel very personal. Over time, I’ve learned that not all feedback deserves attention and weight. Some of it is valuable and helps you grow… Read More>>
Cherri Dallas
Thank you for that insightful question. In response, I believe that emotional maturity and leadership serve as my foundation. I have implemented habits that allow me to remain focused regardless of external criticism. My leadership approach is centered on the idea that persistence comes from clarity. Read More>>
Tonia Lady~T Wilson
You don’t out-talk haters—you outlast them. People who criticize, doubt, or dismiss you are usually reacting to one of three things: they don’t understand your vision, they’re uncomfortable with your growth, or they’re projecting their own limits. None of those require your permission to exist—and none of them should dictate your direction. Read More>>
Caleb Majors
For me, persistence has never really been optional—it’s rooted in something much bigger than business. I lost my dad to cancer when I was 14 years old, and that experience fundamentally changed how I look at life, health, and the kind of impact I want to have. Going through that made things very real, very fast. Read More>>
Lesli Burt
One of my biggest pet peeves is when small business owner focus too much on what their haters are saying, especially before they’ve built something meaningful. When you’re doing things just to prove people wrong, you’re putting your energy in the wrong place. For me, success has never been about showing anyone up. Read More>>
DeadGlow
Jay Glow: They never scared me. Not because I’m fearless— but because I’ve heard worse things… from my own head. The haters? They’re just echoes that learned how to speak out loud. See, persistence isn’t about ignoring them. It’s about outgrowing the version of you that needed their approval. Read More>>
