Today, I want to talk to you about how to deal with haters.
This is a vitally important subject, especially if you want to achieve success in business and in life.
Before I dive too deep into the story, let me tell you a quick story.
I once heard that when you put a bunch of crabs in a pot, some of the crabs will try to escape. Some of the crabs will crawl up the side of the pot to get away from the others. As they start to move up the side of the pot, the other crabs in the pot will pull them back in. They’ll nip and claw at the crabs trying to escape until they fall back in the pot with the rest of crabs.
Guess what? People are the same way.
Any time you want to do something great with your life, people will come out of the woodwork (especially the people you know) to try to hold you back or bring you down.
Family and friends will come out of nowhere to tell you WHY you can’t be successful or why you shouldn’t do it.
They will do everything in their willpower to make you stop what you are trying to do.
Don’t believe me? Tell you friends and family you are quitting your six figure job today to start a business. See what type of reaction you get…
It’s as if your success scares the crap out of them. It makes them uncomfortable.
In their head, they might think they are protecting you, but in most cases, they are scared that you will change. They are scared you will forget about them. They are scared you will grow apart from them. They fear your success, because it would justify their failure, or lack of success.
And then there are people you don’t even know who will come out of the woodwork and say things about you or try to sabotage your success.
These people will appear like ants in your house. At first, there are just one or two ants. Then you find a few more. Before you know it, you have an entire ant colony surrounding you.
The bigger the goal you are pursuing, the more haters you will have. I can assure you of that.
Jesus Christ had haters. Michael Jordan had haters. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs had haters. Every successful person has haters. The more success you have, the more haters you will have.
Learning how to deal with these haters is really important. Otherwise, they will stop you dead in your tracks.
I’ve discovered a few tips during the past 15+ years to deal with haters. I’m by no means an expert, but I want to share what I’ve learned. These tips have helped me immensely, and I know they can help you as well. They are listed in no particular order.
# 1 Let Haters Inspire You
I think the greatest revenge is massive success. I can’t speak for you, but when someone tells me I can’t do something it inspires me to want to make it happen. I use haters as my inspiration for success, rather than something that holds me back. I hope you can do the same thing.
# 2 Don’t Take It Personally
This is easier said than done, but don’t let haters effect you. Do not take it personally. Their real problem is with themselves, not with you. What you are doing is making them uncomfortable with their own lack of results. That’s why they hate on you. They want you to take it personally, so you stop doing what you are doing. If you let that happen, they win. Just realize that their real problem is with themselves, not with you.
# 3 Surround Yourself with Winners
The Power of Association is very, very powerful. If you have children, you understand this important concept. I encourage you to surround yourself with several people who uplift you and encourage you and bring out the best in you. This will offset the haters and keep you inspired to press forward.
# 4 Keep them Updated
Another thing you can do to deal with haters, if you want to, is keep them updated of your progress. Personally, I prefer a clean break and avoidance, but I know a lot of people don’t want to do that. If you keep them in the loop about your progress, some of your haters may have a change of heart and become supportive of you (keep in mind most won’t).
# 5 Break off Bad Relationships
You can’t do this with everyone, especially spouses and close family members. I can’t speak for you, but I’ve found it easier to break off relationships with people who aren’t supportive of what I’m doing, than to stay friends. Why? The real question is “why not?” Why would you want to spend time with people who are unsupportive of what you do?
Something I’ve Learned
Whenever you start something new, people will tell you that you are crazy. However, if you stick with it, and achieve your goals, the same people will ask if you are hiring! Most people will come around EVENTUALLY, if you stick with it and never quit. Most people expect you to quit.
Some won’t, regardless of what you achieve. Others will even have the audacity to call you LUCKY. It is what it is.
Final Thoughts
You have to learn how to deal with haters if you want to be successful in life and in business. Being mentally tough is very important. Believing in yourself, and what you are doing, is vitally important. By following the tips I mentioned in this post, you will be well on your way.
What are your thoughts? How do you deal with haters? Leave a comment below to let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.
Chuck Holmes
20+ Year Network Marketing Professional
Top Earner & Top Recruiter
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
P.S. Learn how to grow a successful network marketing business. Secret tips, training, and practical ideas. Free training delivered by email.
Great message Chuck. Thanks for the reminders