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.
Keia Kelly
I persist through love. And not the fluffy kind☺️the real, grounded kind. Love is commitment, compassion, and choosing purpose over ego. Over the years, I’ve learned that when you have haters or naysayers, you’re probably doing something right. They don’t break into empty houses. I also see it as motivation. Read More>>
Simona Mangiante
In the beginning, I took the hate personally. It felt unfair to be judged by people who didn’t know me, my journey, or my intentions. But over time I realized something important: haters reveal far more about themselves than they ever reveal about me. Their criticism is a projection of their own insecurities, not a reflection of my worth. Read More>>
Michelle Giraldo
I firmly believe that no one knows their own path better than oneself. Only you truly know your motivations, your reasons, and the “why” behind every decision you make. Focusing too much on external criticism can distract you from your purpose and lead you away from the right direction. People will always have opinions, especially because giving them is easy. Read More>>
Luna Lombardi
I actually love this question, because I’ve always loved haters. I treat them like free motivation. They watch every move, every post, every win. And the funny part is that if you keep growing long enough, the same people who doubted you eventually come back asking if you’re hiring. Persistence, for me, comes from staying focused on my goals, not their opinions. Read More>>
Eunice Nnenna Nwankwo
Persistence for me was born from disappointment, not applause. My girl group Dynamix didn’t become what we dreamed. My first book was published, but life slowed me down afterward and I didn’t release the next one as quickly as I planned. So technically, the “haters and naysayers” had reasons to talk. But here’s what I learned: Failure doesn’t embarrass me — quitting does. Read More>>
MsJ7
I vividly remember my entertainment attorney telling me during our very first meeting that the more visible my career became, the more negativity and criticism I would face. Her words were meant to prepare me, but in many ways, I had already lived through the kind of adversity that shapes a person long before fame or notoriety ever does. Read More>>
Connar Mackay
My whole life I’ve always had people doubt me, even now I still do. I want to be successful for me, and for all the sacrifices my family has made for me to chase my dreams, but in order to block out the noise, it’s essential that I believe in myself. If I don’t believe in myself first and foremost, then why should anyone else? Read More>>
Chris Weakly
I want to start by saying that at every stage of life, there are going to be haters and naysayers. Persisting in life inspite of others isn’t a single lesson. Rather, it’s in the eb and flow of reminders in the progress of life. Who you make space for in your life is invaluable. Read More>>
Erica Davila
When I first began sharing my business in the online space, I was often nervous and frequently doubted myself. I avoided going LIVE or posting content on social media because I feared judgment and was overly concerned with the opinions of others. Read More>>
Saundra Mitchell
Sometimes, you grow up as the weird kid. Sometimes, you grow up hard. Sometimes you grow up both, and you have to learn to keep going in spite of a world that seems to hate you, personally, in particular. Read More>>
Kenneth Morris
When I first mentioned becoming a pilot, planning and even learning to fly, people told me it wasn’t possible for someone like me—a Black man from Houston’s Fifth Ward with no previous direct access or training. Read More>>
Anita Linville
For me, persistence is spiritual work. I’ve learned to take negativity and use it as fuel—what many in my spiritual practice call alchemy. Read More>>
