Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made a difference in the world has had doubters and critics. As natural as haters might be, in the age of social media it’s become harder and hard to ignore them – and so we asked some brilliant creatives and entrepreneurs to tell us how they deal with haters.
Alana Cooler
This is a difficult question for me because while I’d like to say I don’t listen to others’ opinions, that would be a lie! The truth is, I do focus on one goal at a time even if people don’t understand that goal. I’ve learned that it’s okay if others don’t get my vision, because only I know what my next move or goal entails. Additionally, I have a ton of close friends who are very supportive. They help break down my visions with thoughtful questions and encouragement. Read more>>
Zhuoqian Yu
Sometimes what the nay-sayers say does affect my mood. But I kept telling myself that there was nothing to be afraid of. Life is a running race, when you run forward, there will always be a lot of obstacles around. Instead of getting lost in nay-sayer’s words, improve yourself. I believe when you get better, the environment is also gradually better. Read more>>
Raquel Carr
I have no choice but to keep going! I was not placed on this Earth to please anyone. I am here to please God and God only. When I came out with my idea of wanting to start my Label, I got all kinds of negative replies! I was hearing everything from women who don’t stand a chance in that field, you don’t have the money to start something like that, did you go to school for that? That is not going to make you any money. I listened and I let it go! The industry needs more women in control now more than ever! So many female artists are disrespecting themselves to get that check! Read more>>
Tory Keit
As an author, I’ve come to view critics and naysayers not as adversaries but as essential companions on the path to success. Their presence is a testament to the impact and reach of my work. Far from being mere obstacles, these voices provide invaluable perspectives that challenge me to refine my craft. Read more>>
Cashmere Perkins
I go for more! I LIKE THEM TO WATCH ME MOVE FOWARD WITHOUT THEM, I ENJOY KNOWING THEY SAY THINGS TO DISTRACT ME BUT I SHOW PEOPLE NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW, OR SAY IMMA STILL WIN. MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE MY NAME OR BRAND AT TABLES OR HOMES I DON’T SIT AT WATCH ME AND TRY TO IMITATE WHAT I DO, BUT IT NEVER WORKS. IVE GIVEN PPL ENERGY TO FINALLY PUT ON FOR NYC… Read more>>
Sahara Rose De Vore
With travel coaching being a newer concept in the travel industry, I remember getting many negative comments when I first began my business. I’d have people say things like “it’s not a thing” or “what you mean to say is a travel agent!”. At first it would bother me but I soon realized that those comments were a learning lesson for me. The comments meant that I wasn’t being clear enough in my definition of a travel coach. From that moment on, I had a different mindset any time that I had a nay-sayer. Fast forward to today, I still get rejection about my concept of travel coaching. So what keeps me going? A few things. Read more>>
Poiab Vue
When I decided that I wanted to quit my stable and predicable job, I received a lot of push back, especially from the people closest to me. I had assume that they would be happy, congratulate, and tell me that I can inspire to do anything. Instead, I encountered pushback. They questioned my judgment and put their insecurities, scarcity mindset, and judgements to me. At first, I was taken aback. I felt alone and isolated. Read more>>
Judie Mancuso
When I founded my nonprofit 17 years ago, being an animal rights advocate and environmentalist in Sacramento was a lonely business. Not as bad as when I first started my advocacy in the 1980s. Back then I often felt like I was one of a small handful of people who could see what was happening to planet earth due to the chemicals, the plastics, the pollution, the factory farming – all the manmade damage that was being done and continues to this day. Read more>>
Rebecca Butterfly Vaughns
Believing in myself and what I do was always my mission no matter what. My acronym for haters is HEAVILY ACTING TOWARDS EXERCISING RIGHTS TO SUCCEED!!! I often think of the many opportunities I would have missed out on if I gave in to these type of individuals. It’s 27/22 years later and the journey continues. When asked if I still do the POETRY THING, my response is YES UNTIL THE DAY I DIE!!! Read more>>
Kobéy Smith
First and foremost I want to thank you for this opportunity to share my story and perspective. I am honored to be on your platform and I’m excited to see Bold Journey grow! I’m able to persist because I know that there are people who support me. Ever since I was a child my mom always encouraged me to go after my dreams no matter what. She always told me that the right people who believe in me will support me along the way. I know if anything happens she’ll always be there and I can pull from her as a source of love and motivation. In addition to that, in the early stage of everything that I am doing, I know that the people I am connecting with through my work count on me, and that keeps me going. Read more>>
Sophia Wang Choe
When I was younger, it was my own pride/ego, confidence, and gumption that kept me moving despite what anyone said. I had my defenses up a lot of the time, but I also just really loved what I was doing and no one was going to take that love and passion away from me. Now as a 35 year old wife and mother, it’s my family that keeps me going. Of course, I want to be a successful small business owner for myself, to have something of my own also, I’ve always wanted to be that boss bitch. Read more>>
Snifflez
Over the years I have learned that no one can judge me besides myself. People will always have negativity to say especially when hiding behind a screen. If I see a negative comment I simply delete it. I truly love all the art I put out so if someone is hating on it that is just their opinion. It is okay if not everyone loves you, as long as you love yourself. Read more>>
Michelle Gillis
I always remind myself that these people must admire something about me otherwise they wouldn’t take the time to criticize what it is that I’m doing. Although other people’s negative opinions can be hurtful, they really are not important. What is important is how I feel about myself, the work I’m doing, and how I am of service to the world. Of course, I do want my family and close friends to share with me their thoughts about my life, however, these individuals want the best for me and any opinion they offer me is steeped in love. Read more>>
Eliyahu Shmuel Ben Yah
I used the negativity as a fuel to continue forth because I am a firm believer that everything takes effort to accomplish goals. Resistance at times may mean that you are on the right track. I have always thrived with opposition and controversy. Even negative criticism, slander, and bad press is better than no press. When you become the conversation, it means you’re about something and causing impact. I love to be challenged and prove whoever wrong not to validate myself, but my point or view. Read more>>
Bethany Pendleton
Starting a photography business you always hear people question if you are truly ready to launch. Whenever I launched I had a friend at the time start rumors about me and my business. This pushed me to keep going and to strive for more despite the negativity. These rumors made me question my value within the photography community. I had to overcome imposter syndrome and believe that I am good enough. I have learned that people will always judge another person’s credibility for anything. Read more>>
Autumn D
I had to learn to trust myself, and my capabilities, focus on my goals, and stay away from negative opinions. Even if that means cutting negative people out of my life. By having tunnel vision in a sense, and tuning out the noise, I could be free to create music on my terms and surround myself with a supportive network of friends and mentors who can provide the encouragement I need to stay motivated. And having haters and naysayers isn’t always bad because I will often use it as fuel to prove doubters wrong. Read more>>
The A13mando
The way I persist regardless of hate or doubt is interacting with the people who do believe and have had their lives change due to my work. My company, The 13 Night Lights, has gone through many changes, difficult nights and days with no sales. I responded with hardly acknowledging the “failures”, and focusing more on the network of people we cultivate for our fan base. I knew my product was top of the line, I just had to get people to believe. For every 1 naysayer, there are 5 believers. Read more>>
Serenity Risvik
In life, I encounter haters and negative people, but their opinions do not define who I am, or determine my worth. I choose to persist, despite the negativity by focusing on my own goals and aspirations. I swear on myself with positive influences in stay true to my values. I believe in the power of self belief and resilience, knowing that I have the strength to overcome any challenges that come my way. Instead of letting the haters bring me down, I use your negativity as motivation to prove them wrong, and continue striving for success. The way others treat you is a pure reflection of themselves, so often I feel bad for negative “haters”. With determination in a positive mindset, I am able to rise above the negativity and stay true to myself. Read more>>
Jessica Le
I have to remind myself of what I actually have control over. That I have no control over others’ reactions, thoughts, and feelings. I only have control of myself and what I do. It took a lot of practice to get here and it still is a struggle some days. I’m not going to say the negativity doesn’t bother me because it does but I allow myself to feel my feelings and then make sure to move on from there. Read more>>
Cioxcia Cayson
I was always the type of person who was motivated off of the negativity that stems from a hater. I used to love it because, why are you hating? Then I thought well, let me give you a reason to hate. It was something in my soul that became joyous when I saw someone mad and oily ALL because we exist. I grew up hearing how I was not going to be or that in my future. I remember my old friends telling me I would always be a kitchen stylist and how I don’t have anything to show for my successful endeavors. Read more>>
Dr. Rachael Meir
Despite facing judgment, stigma, and misconceptions about my non-monogamous relationship, I persist by focusing on the fulfillment and happiness that this lifestyle brings to my life and the lives of those I work with. The key for me is staying true to my values and understanding that consensual non-monogamy is a valid and enriching choice for many individuals and couples. Read more>>
Kenna Seawell
I once heard this quote by Denzel Washington: “You’ll never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. You’ll always be criticized by someone doing less. Remember that.” It reminds me that anyone criticizing or “hating” on me, particularly on social media, is just a reflection of their own personal insecurities. Anyone who likes my content is almost always someone in my life who loves and knows me personally or is doing same things and/or doing them better than I am. That inspires me to continue to put out my content anyway! Read more>>
Jewel Hohman
When I started my coaching business, I found out my ex’s friends were making fun of me and of course, it hurt (rejection is supposed to hurt)…… but it was just another example of how feeling rejected didn’t stop me from showing up EVEN BOLDER in my life! ㅤ
Because when I found out they were making fun of me, I got to have this magical moment where I held myself in the feeling, embraced myself, and felt even more connected to myself. I launched my first in-person workshop the week after I found out these people were making fun of me! Just to give ’em something else to talk about! Read more>>
Sierra Mercer
chuckles* This is a good one. Ummm… *sigh* I guess that is probably because almost everyone has had people who’ve been close enough to them to create negative feelings about their success, ambitions and goals. Unfortunate? For sure. But you learn to appreciate even the slightest backhanded comment if it’s spewed enough. Lol! And let’s be clear, there are misconceptions about individuals who offer opinions, and feedback which feels like a personal attack which then is deemed as “haters” and that is hardly the case.
Analytically, it’s easy to make out envious tongues. Read more>>
