Success brings out the haters.
It’s human nature, and it is gonna really bother you sometimes.
Don’t fall for it.
Negativity, aggression, and jealousy from outside your team…
(and if it is inside your team, get rid of that one real quick)
…will suck up your brain space, hinder your creativity, instill confidence issues, and have a detrimental effect on your mental health and your business success.
You can’t control the DMs, texts, emails, tweets, or posts, but you can control how you respond.
And it all begins with doing nothing.
Take 24 hours before you do anything.
I know this isn’t a new concept, but I also know most people don’t follow it. The instinct is to react immediately, to defend yourself or lash out can be all consumming, especially if the attack is bullshit (which it usually is).
But a quick reaction usually only escalates the situation and distracts you from your work, your clients, your home life, and is rarely the best approach.
Instead, take a step back. Use that time to analyze the situation objectively, phone a friend, and develop a thoughtful, strategic response – or decide that no response is needed at all.
Reacting Quickly vs. Responding Wisely
For most of us in business, every decision we make affects others – both at work and in our personal lives. Acting on impulse can lead to mistakes, upset customers and peers, and take you down the wrong path.
The 24-hour rule helps ensure your actions are informed and deliberate, not just quick fixes.
Start by acknowledging the urge to react and then assess the situation objectively, seek input from confidantes or mentors, and then decide on the best course of action – which is often to do nothing at all.
Turning Potential Issues into Opportunities
Incorporating this strategic restraint into my business practices has been a game-changer for me, and my business.
By choosing to pause before I act, I’m not showing hesitancy or uncertainty – I’m exercising the discipline to make wise, impactful moves that serve my long-term goals.
So the next time the haters come out of the woodwork, remember: don’t fall for it.
Take a deep breath, give it 24 hours, and watch how you can turn those potential pitfalls into opportunities for growth and learning.
