6 Ways to Deal with Naysayers Who Try to Crush Your Goals

Taking a leap of faith for yourself is an already daunting and challenging path.
Naysayers or Negative Nancy’s only make the journey that much more difficult. You
do not need their pessimism, nor do you have to deal with it. There are several ways
to deal with these individuals so you can move past them and crush your goals.

1. Distance Yourself from the Negative
   If possible, put space between those individuals and your goals. Continually
   listening to doubt will eventually manifest into challenging yourself. If you
   cannot distance yourself from a naysayer, have an honest conversation with
   them. Explain that you don’t have to have their support, but their
   discouragement is not welcome. Be polite but firm.
   
2. Bolster Yourself with Support
   Once you have pushed away the negative, bring in the support. Surrounding
   yourself with people that believe in your goals will allow you to be yourself and
   unapologetically go after what you want. The support you receive from others
   will act as reassurance on the path you are taking, and they will help pick you
   up when times are tough.
   
3. No Justification Necessary
   You do not have to justify yourself, your goals, or the path you are taking to
   anyone. Everyone is different, no two people live identical lives or achieve their
   goals in the same ways. If someone questions you, simply say, “This is what I
   choose.”
   
4. Don’t Share
   If you know someone you will need to be around think you are crazy for going
   after your goal in a big way, don’t give them ammunition. Avoid talking about
   your plans around them. If they try to bring it up, take the conversation another
   direction.
   
5. Turn Doubt into Motivation
   If someone doubts you, use their doubt as motivation. Maybe that means
   making a wager or promising yourself that you’ll prove him or her wrong. Either
   way, do not let the uncertainty of others weigh you down. Most likely, what they
   think really doesn’t matter.
   
6. Embrace Solitude and Reflection
   Keeping up the hustle to achieve your goals can be a lonely path sometimes.
   Give yourself downtime to reflect on your goals, how far you have come, and
   reevaluate your plan of action. This quiet time will also fill your cup and let new
   ideas and motivation form.

Naysayers are everywhere in life. They are in your family, at work, and maybe even
your friend group. This does not mean that you need to spend your life working
within the parameters of their beliefs. You can move beyond their negativity and
crush your goals with relentless willpower.